About the Author: Jeffrey Feltman serves as Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs.

Over the course of my career as a United States diplomat, I’ve spent many a Christmas holiday in countries across the Middle East. From Beirut to Tunis, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Baha’i, and peoples of all religions, celebrate and acknowledge the importance of faith, a hope for the future, and goodwill toward all. Yet, something I saw a few days ago in Cairo reminded me of another important tenant of the season: tolerance.

I had the privilege of joining our Ambassador Anne Patterson in attending two Christmas services on January 6. First, we went to a moving celebration at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church near Tahrir Square. Then, in the evening, we attended a Coptic Christmas ceremony at Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral.

In both churches, there were celebrations of the joy of the season, alongside somber moments of remembrance for those who lost… more »