T

he world’s Christians, including hundreds of churchgoers at two Coptic churches in Egypt, on Sunday celebrated the moment when, according to the Gospel, a large crowd cut branches off trees and spread them along the road as Jesus came to Jerusalem. It marks the start of Holy Week for Christians.

Claiming their acts were divinely blessed, a group of terrorists butchered innocent Egyptian Christians with bombs and proudly announced their barbaric acts to the world. They manipulated the Quran to justify their genocidal mission against anyone they dislike, including even Muslims.

Such terrorist acts are also practiced by people of other religions and groups, especially when they constitute the majority in their localities.

The Associated Press reported that bombs exploded inside St. George Church in Tanta, killing at least 27 people and wounding 78. A few hours later, a suicide bomber blew himself up at St. Mark Cathedral in Alexandria, killing at least 16 and injuring four, government sources said.

President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi declared a nationwide state of emergency for three months.

The world is powerless against people or groups who twist religious teachings to justify barbaric acts. Deadly attacks against innocent people in many parts of the world, including Egypt, have become horrifyingly routine.

Four people died and 15 were wounded when a man crashed a truck into shoppers in Stockholm last Friday. In Tuban, East Java, six alleged terrorists were shot dead Saturday after attempting to shoot a policeman.

In response to suspected terror acts beyond their borders, nations, including Indonesia, can merely issue condemnation or express sorrow every time such groups terrorize the globe with their versions of cleansing away the enemy. Civilized nations prefer to engage in blame games instead of uniting to fight against terrorists.

Indonesian Christians fully share the suffering of the Egyptian minority. They have also prepared themselves for the worst during this year’s Holy Week celebration, including deadly attacks by people who insist they alone have the right to practice their faith in Indonesia.

To obtain church construction permits too often becomes an impossible mission. Even when they secure permissions, intolerant people will not allow them to practice their faith.

We are saddened by these tragedies and the nearly unstoppable crimes against humanity on behalf of religion. Things will continue to worsen given the lack of signs that the world is ready to unite to wage war against terrorism.