Egyptian Arabs in North America

Egypt has held a rich history in historical civilization and was part of many globally significant events. The predynastic, Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, and Islamic eras contribute to modern Egyptian identity. Egypt has frequently been the cultural, religious, and economic leader in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Still, the percentage of the population that partakes in this influential role is small compared to the total population in the Arab World. Egyptian Arabs speak the Egyptian dialect of Arabic.
North America is not a primary destination for the majority of Egyptian immigrants. Still, the diaspora in North American is made up of 247,000 Arabs of Egyptian origin. New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. contain the most significant populations of Egyptian Arabs.
Egyptian Arabs are a very hard-working people. However, they live in widespread economic poverty across the country of Egypt. Economic classism is a powerful force that distinguishes one’s access to opportunity. For these reasons, many left Egypt for improved financial opportunity, education, or ideological freedom. The first wave of immigrants comprised individuals who either obtained a professional degree or sought further education. They pursued careers as doctors, accountants, engineers, and lawyers, and many joined major universities’ teaching faculties. The second wave held college degrees but had to accept menial jobs. When they arrived, many drove taxicabs or waited on tables in restaurants.
A cafe with hookah and Turkish coffee is one of the best places to connect with Egyptian men. These locations can provide a sense of comfort, as such localities dominate the streets of Cairo. These establishments are only social places for men.

Religious Life
In Egypt, about 90% of residents are Arab, and 9% are from Coptic Christian backgrounds. Islam became the state religion of Egypt in 1980. 99% of Egyptian Arabs in North America are Muslim, predominantly Sunni. Approximately 15% of Egyptian Arabs are Sufi. Sufism includes both Sunnis and Shia. But they are opposed by many hardline Sunni groups. In Egypt, social and religious exclusion prevents the growth or interaction between Sunni and Coptic beliefs. Likewise, there is little interaction between Egyptian Arab Muslims and Egyptian Copts once in North America.
Sunni Muslims follow the teachings of the Qur’an and consider the first four caliphs to be the rightful successors of Muhammad. Islam does not teach confidence in eternal paradise for oneself. This lack of assurance contributes to the work ethic of many Arab Muslims. Most go to the grave striving to please Allah and hope that his mercy will allow them to enjoy heaven. Egyptian Arab communities hold days of fasting, prayer, and good works offered to Allah on behalf of a deceased loved one.
Many Egyptian Arab women do not wear a hijab but will dress like other women while still presenting a modest and conservative appearance.
These are the Egyptian Arab communities in North America most in need of gospel witness
People Group | Metropolitan Area | Population Size | Concentrated Area | Priority Score |
---|---|---|---|---|
Egyptian Arab | New York | 56,257 | Astoria (Queens) | 46 |
Egyptian Arab | Toronto | 11,637 | Mississauga | 42 |
Egyptian Arab | Los Angeles | 23,765 | Anaheim | 40 |
Egyptian Arab | Dallas Fort Worth | 5,136 | Richardson | 33 |
Egyptian Arab | Philadelphia | 5,249 | Center City | 33 |
Egyptian Arab | Houston | 5,992 | Katy | 32 |
Egyptian Arab | Montreal | 9,167 | Saint-Laurent | 27 |
Egyptian Arab | San Francisco | 7,274 | Oakland | 27 |
Egyptian Arab | Washington D.C. | 12,313 | Lanier Heights | 25 |
Egyptian Arab | Boston | 5,359 | Dudley Square | 23 |
Egyptian Arab | Chicago | 5,784 | Hickory Hills | 23 |