World

‘They’ve Been Given Tea and a Traditional Bedouin Meal’: Two More Americans Kidnapped in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula

(The Blaze/AP) — The family of a Boston pastor abducted in Egypt is appealing to his captor to release the 61-year-old man, saying he is a diabetic and the family fears for his health.

The son of Rev. Michel Louis told The Associated Press on Saturday that his father was on a church group trip to retrace Jesus’ steps through the Holy Land when he was abducted.

Along with him, a 39-year-old Boston woman named Lisa Alphonse and a tour guide were kidnapped Friday when an Egyptian Bedouin stopped their bus on a road linking Cairo to Mount Sinai.

ABC has more information on the kidnapping:

Abu-Masuh [the kidnapper] told The Associated Press that the Americans are being treated well — they’ve been given tea and a traditional Bedouin meal of lamb — but they won’t be released until his uncle, who is in an Egyptian prison, is released as well. He also said that if his uncle is not released, he will abduct more people.

“If my uncle gets 50 years (in prison), they will stay with me for 50 years. If they release him, I will release them,” he told the AP. “Tomorrow I will kidnap other nationalities and their embassies will be notified for the whole world to know.”

Officials at the American embassy in Cairo says they’re working closely with the Egyptian authorities to free the two Americans.

Lawlessness has risen dramatically in the Sinai Peninsula, particularly since the fall of President Hosni Mubarak. Kidnappings by Bedouins have become more frequent — they also traffic in guns and drugs. Al Qaeda is known to operate in the region, though they are not believed to have been involved with this kidnapping.

According to an Egyptian paper, the kidnapper added: “My uncle has heart issues, diabetes and metal plates in his back, so if he dies in prison, these hostages will be killed.”

7 News WHDH has more on the story, and an interview with the pastor’s family:

WHDH-TV –

Louis’ son said the family is concerned about all three hostages and does not want to discuss communications with the U.S. government so as not to jeopardize their chances for release.  However the U.S. Embassy in Cairo reportedly said in a tweet Friday that it is “in close touch with Egyptian authorities, who are doing everything they can to bring about safe release of the American tourists.”

This is the third time this year that American tourists have been kidnapped in the Sinai Peninsula, ABC relates.  Two American women were kidnapped and released six hours later back in February, and in late May two American tourists were kidnapped and released the next day.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is currently in Egypt to meet with Egypt’s new Islamist president, Mohammed Morsi.

Comments (85)

  • Skrewedretiree
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 10:50pm

    People always say, “What would Jesus do, what would Jesus say?” when referring to relationships with moo-slums.

    There were no moo-slums in Jesus’ time. Their was Satan; moo-slums are a satanic cult, and take it from there. It is imperitive that we understand that islam and communism are the two greatest threats to freedom and civilization in the world, not the savior!

    Obama supports islam and communism. Look at the record.

    Report Post » Skrewedretiree  
    • MODEL82A1
      Posted on July 14, 2012 at 11:57pm

      SKREWED, The real question is, ‘What would Dionysus do, what would Dionysus say” when referring to relationships with Christians.
      There were no Christians in Dionysus’ time. It’s very sad that your historical religious knowledge is so pitifully limited. On the bright side, for you at least, is you’re certainly not alone in your ignorance.

      Report Post » MODEL82A1  
    • Skrewedretiree
      Posted on July 15, 2012 at 12:56am

      @model82A1- Well, I guess you know more than me, or at least you TOLD me!

      Perhaps you are right. You are sure you are.

      Report Post » Skrewedretiree  
    • ThatsJustCrazyTalk
      Posted on July 15, 2012 at 2:37am

      @Skrewedretiree: Excellent point! Even though the Leftist dhimmis like MODEL82A1 & their bedfellow muslim masters would like to tell you, “Yeshua & ALL the prophets were muslims.”

      @MODEL82A1: Christians pray for you young Brother. All True Christians wish you the best and to see the Kingdom of Heaven. God Bless my deceived LITTLE Brother.

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on July 15, 2012 at 4:38am

      So, they finally came for the blacks.

      Next time you run into one of those “African Americans for Obama,” ask them why Hussein cares more about helping the Egyptian Arab spring than helping African Americans.

      Report Post »  
    • Southernguy
      Posted on July 15, 2012 at 8:36am

      @ MODEL82A1……………….what kind of dumb a$$ reply was that? The REAL question should be: What would General George S. Patton do ;)

      Report Post » Southernguy  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 10:40pm

    What? Abu-Masuh has kidnapped some Obama voters?

    Look out Mr. Abu-Masuh….. here come the drones.

    Report Post » The-Monk  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on July 15, 2012 at 5:12am

      This pastor’s fate depends on whether his church belongs to Obama or to Christ. If Hussein owns them, then it was a very smart move by the Bedouin. Holder is already negotiating his uncle’s release, and he will get a visa to the United States on humanitarian grounds.

      No drones for the MB et al., I’m afraid.

      Report Post »  
    • teddrunk
      Posted on July 15, 2012 at 1:36pm

      Surely you must realize that here or in captivity, dead or alive, he will still be voting for Obama.

      Report Post »  
  • Acemeister79
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 10:40pm

    Our family and friends visited Alexandria and Cairo (off a cruise) two weeks before the “uprising” started to roll (fall 2010 – just before their elections). Glad I saw the Pyramids and King Tut’s gold mask – but the place was obviously ripe for craziness. We saw girls in full burkas and also in heels and skirts – and our Cairo based female tour guide said “Egypt is a land of contrasts…”

    Well, those contrasts are on their way to being extinguished as Islam fundamentalism rears its ugly head. Liberals (and Obama) are such fools.

    But as far as this goes, the whole should be treated as much like Chernobyl as possible – Christians, North Americans, or just anyone who is civilized should stay out of Egypt. Their # 1 industry is (was?) tourism – and the ROTW (rest of the world) should starve out that source of revenue. The Muslims treat the whole place like a garbage dump anyway, shaking down tourists in nefarious ways, and using it as a milk-camel to give them cash… No respect for ancient Egypt – it was before Mohammed, so it is of no consequence. Land of contrasts, indeed – more like last of hypocrisy. I hope the guy gets out okay – but lesson should be learned by all who were ruminating over any visit or vacation…

    Report Post »  
    • Skrewedretiree
      Posted on July 14, 2012 at 10:55pm

      Yes, Egypt is a land of contrasts.

      That which is dead, burned and enslaved, and that which is about to be.

      Report Post » Skrewedretiree  
    • Country Publius
      Posted on July 16, 2012 at 8:51pm

      Unfortunately, SecState Mz. Hillary just sent Egypt $1.3 Billion in aid, which will probably offset the lack of US tourism.

      Report Post »  
  • Couyon64
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 10:25pm

    Another foreign policy success for the studip f’ing odumaz. We’ll be dealing this his leagacy for years.

    Report Post » Couyon64  
  • donh2
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 10:18pm

    ” his father was on a church group trip to retrace Jesus’ steps through the Holy Land when he was abducted.”

    For a truely authentic retracing…that will be 40 days and nights in the desert followed by a crucifixion.

    Report Post »  
    • katy
      Posted on July 14, 2012 at 10:24pm

      When was Jesus in the Sinai ? Don’t recall that one. This story isn’t quite kosher to me….

      Report Post »  
    • Elena2010
      Posted on July 14, 2012 at 10:58pm

      Katy — He was taken to Egypt as a baby. There are 3 main routes out of Egypt back to Judea. St Catherine‘s is the traditional location Moses’ experience w/the burning bush and Mt Sinai.

      Report Post » Elena2010  
    • chips1
      Posted on July 14, 2012 at 11:48pm

      We could sure use another burning bush right about now.

      Report Post »  
    • katy
      Posted on July 15, 2012 at 12:52am

      Eleana2010
      They said he was there to ‘retrace Jesus’ steps”. My comment stands. Baby Jesus‘ steps is not exactly a pilgrimage in anyone’s mind.

      The Sinai is also not considered the Holy Land. It was never on any of my trips to the “Holy Land” nor was it ever on the itinerary.

      Report Post »  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on July 15, 2012 at 7:30am

      @ Katy – try Matthew 2: 13-23

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on July 15, 2012 at 7:35am

      @ Katy after reading Mathew 2:13-23, pull out a map and see how one would get from Egypt to Israel….

      And since tracing the steps of Jesus generally starts from His birth place in Bethlehem (even though He didn’t actually walk there – geez) , it would seem that it would matter where else He went in His life – like to Egypt and back….

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
    • katy
      Posted on July 15, 2012 at 12:09pm

      KAYDEEBEAU

      I know the Middles East pretty well. Traveled there many times. I am well aware of the story about the the escape to Egypt. My point is this: If someone is going to Israel to traverse the land where Jesus laid down the foundations of His ministry and life, it’s NOT going to take anyone to the Sinai! Period! That part of scripture ( the escape) has no records, no significance to His purpose and especially if one were to be searching for the meaningful aspects of His ministry. You are splitting hairs trying to give merit to this man going all the way to Sinai for a search of Jesus’ life. There is more to this story and I will bet my life on it. Something smells fishy.

      Report Post »  
    • katy
      Posted on July 15, 2012 at 12:29pm

      Here’s the question of the day?

      Was this pastor’s church a “SOCIAL JUSTICE” church?

      Now there’s something to look into. He was not where he was suppose to be.

      Report Post »  
    • castell
      Posted on July 15, 2012 at 2:39pm

      I agree with Katy. Why would Jesus be in Egypt? I never heard this story either. The whole point was to leave egypt? what is he doing walking from Cairo to Mount Sinai? something seems fishy about this whole thing.

      Report Post »  
  • katy
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 10:16pm

    This is very sad and I feel for the family but let this be a warning.

    What the hell were these people thinking?

    This is the result when you have a PC media that withhold information from the public about world events and truth about the middle east. These people probably had a steady diet of MSNBC.

    Report Post »  
  • since1629
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 10:14pm

    MMMmmmm, “traditional Bedouin meal.”

    Wait, I saw the “Bizarre Foods” episode where Zimmern had to taste that rancid meat/grease/milk crap… This might be just part of the torture repertoire.

    Report Post » since1629  
  • Magyar
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 10:11pm

    I keep shaking my head every time I hear a story like this— What the HE(( was he thinking?

    The Pastor and his party HAD TO KNOW that they sitting ducks and yet they travel to a country where Christians are openly slaughtered by those who worship the King of Darkness!

    It makes NO sense!

    Report Post »  
  • ICEDRAGON
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 10:06pm

    This is another atrocity that belongs at the feet of HAJI HILLARY and the BO administration for the collusion with the Muslim brotherhood.

    Report Post » ICEDRAGON  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 9:47pm

    Does the koran teach this? To get revenge on innocent people that have no power over a government? If so, then we can add another reason to despise the koran and what it teaches.

    Report Post »  
    • Elena2010
      Posted on July 14, 2012 at 11:01pm

      Not so much the koran but the other two scriptures of the islamic faith pretty much allow mistreatment of non-muslims. FYI – koran is flanked by the haddith (sayings of Mohammad) and the al sira (stories fm his life) as the muslim authoritative books. It’s not just the koran. In fact, the hadith is far more malignant.

      Report Post » Elena2010  
    • ThatsJustCrazyTalk
      Posted on July 15, 2012 at 3:30am

      @Jenny: To continue what Elena2010 was saying… the Ignoble Qur’an will say something like, “Such of your women as have passed the age of monthly courses, for them the prescribed period, if ye have any doubts, is three months, and for those who have no courses (it is the same): for those who carry (life within their wombs), their period is until they deliver their burdens: and for those who fear Allah, He will make their path easy. – Ignoble Qur’an 65:4

      While the hadith will explain what mohammad the pedo actually did: “Narrated by Aisha: that the Prophet married her when she was six years old and he consummated his marriage when she was nine years old, and then she remained with him for nine years” – Sahih Bukhari 7:62:64 s/n: mohammad was 51 & 54 yrs young at the time respectively.

      The Ignoble Qur’an will also say something to the effect of: “Kill all those who don’t believe in Allah (satan) his apostle, and the last days.” While the hadith will say, “We slaughtered 900 men from the Banu Quraysh tribe, slicing off all their heads.”

      That’s a pretty clear picture (and just the tip of the Fire & brimstone) of the religion of pieces!

      Report Post »  
  • jimmyv777
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 9:10pm

    @jopinion You are being to mean, they were just open minded world travelers who want to see the whole world with an open mind, Reports of their itinerary have their next 3 spots, Iran, North korea and Cuba before they get back to the states, whatever happen to a weekend in Vegas, I’m sorry you travel to the 300ad, expect bad things to happen!

    Report Post »  
  • vtxphantom
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 9:07pm

    I thought it would be a bunch of white liberals that were captured, but it was not. Who comes up with the idea to go to a muslim country in turmoil to view the sights? Do I hear Darwin award winners!

    Report Post »  
  • JUSTANOTHEROPINION
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 9:02pm

    I’m sorry for these people and their families, however, we can’t keep coming to the rescue of these stupid people. Even an idiot knows not to go to that part of the world (or so you would think) and these people should be told before they go over there that they are on their own. This crap is getting old. It‘s not like the dangers aren’t known ahead of time. Just because there Americans does not imply the nation should use what little bit of political clout it has to save these people from their own stupidity.

    Report Post »  
  • jimmyv777
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 9:00pm

    Here’s an idea, if you want to hang out or be near radical muslim extremists, instead of taking a 14 hour flight back in time to the stone age, just get in your car and drive to Dearborn, michigan. You will probably get the same treatment but you will probably just get sued instead of getting stoned to death, beheaded or blown up, fyi i would avoid driving thru Detroit on your way to Dearborn, actually your probably better off in Detroit come to think of it!

    Report Post »  
  • cemerius
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 8:49pm

    Guess these people never read the State Departments travel advisory for THAT area?? Or was it, they believed they were “entitled”? How about hiking in Syria I hear that’s a good place to watch a sunset?

    Report Post » cemerius  
    • smokeysmoke
      Posted on July 14, 2012 at 8:56pm

      im sure the arab spring was such a good thing… that these people will be totally safe and just got lost and are looking for directions… total miss communitcation… nothing to see here… move along… these are not the droids you are looking for….

      Report Post » smokeysmoke  
  • RossPoldark
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 8:44pm

    Americans kidnapped in the middle east- – - SHOCKING!

    Report Post »  
    • Magyar
      Posted on July 14, 2012 at 10:15pm

      Yea, but they had a hardy meal and tea!

      Report Post »  
  • oriondma05
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 8:44pm

    Is anyone else sick of the gullible American tourist being kidnapped in “Dangerstan” and the US having to come to their rescue by sacrificing aid and releasing terrorists in swap?

    Report Post » oriondma05  
  • barber2
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 8:37pm

    What in the hell are they doing in Egypt ? Haven’t people learned anything from the death of Daniel Pearl and the assaults on females in Tahir Square ? Stay away from these idiots. Let them kill/ mistreat one another . Seems to be in their DNA.

    Report Post »  
    • Armyduderetired
      Posted on July 15, 2012 at 8:03am

      It’s called free will. And our constitution kind of grants us exactly that. Problem: pretty much every political party and governing hungry sect want to impinge there version on the rest of us. Nobody’s perfect (except Jesus). Kind of the same thing as threating someone’s life with a gun to get information to thwart future events of terror. Ask LTC Allen West Florida Congressman how that worked out for him. We all have the same opportunity to know Jesus. Even the captor in the Siani. You will stand alone to be judged when it’s yor time. A bunch of presumed righteous people have some explaining to do. Thank you Jesus! Thank you God for sending Him.

      Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 15, 2012 at 9:15am

      ARMY Troll : Guess you were sent on July 6 to slam West and to spew religious dribble….ex-Ron Paul 2012 dude ?

      Report Post »  
  • HorseCrazy
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 8:29pm

    sorry to the well intentioned naive american’s, my prayers will be with you however please stop seriously stop traveling to the middle east it is not safe. If one were simply to check the internet or maybe poke around the news in the current times we live it would not be hard to see the wisdom of just staying home.

    Report Post »  
  • Pigpen
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 8:17pm

    You know, oddly enough, this story is making me think of that other Blaze story about how Muslims in America are whining that they aren’t being treated fairly by us Christians, and the story about how all of the civil, state, and municipal authorities here in Utah did back flips to cover-up the fact that the Trolley Square Mall Shooting was done as an act of terrorism by a Muslim. (The “authorities” insisted it was a random act of violence in spite of the Muslim yelling “Allahu Akbar” during his shooting spree.)

    This also reminds me of the big, tough cops who violated the free speech rights of those young Christians who tried to testify of Jesus to Muslims during a PUBLIC street fair in Dearborn, Michigan. It also makes me recall how on Sep 11th the Muslim “communities” in both Dearborn, MI and in Trenton, NJ were out in the streets celebrating that America had gotten Her just desserts…

    Which is worse? The Muslims who attack us, kidnap us, plot against us or the FILTH that calls itself our leadership who will do anything to keep us “little people” from looking disparagingly on the Muslim “community.” Why do I say that? WTF is this AP spin about the HOSTAGE being “treated to tea and a traditional Bedouin meal of lamb” Sounds like he is having a nice vacation in the Holy Land, according to you pukebags!

    No, I take it back. You elites just keep on “managing the herd”, and that “herd” will stampede over here and realize the TRUTH about Americ

    Report Post » Pigpen  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 8:13pm

    Uh, perhaps these folks didn’t hear about how obama helped overthrow the Mubarak government so that his buddies, the terrorist-muslim-brotherhood could seize control of the country and destabilize the entire region? It is shocking and sad that any American, especially any Christian American, would voluntarily walk into such a dangerous situation – the risks are well known; no American is safe in any terrorist-muslim country.

    Report Post » Tri-ox  
    • chips1
      Posted on July 15, 2012 at 12:07am

      After November, the Canadians might be saying that about us unless we vote American.

      Report Post »  
  • biffo
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 8:07pm

    Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton,,cackle

    Report Post »  
  • Chromo200
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 8:00pm

    to my recollection there is no tecord of Jesus traveling in Sinai.

    Report Post »  
  • MAULEMALL
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 7:48pm

    No problem….Obananaman will go in and save them like when he dropped in to puckerstan and got his cousin osama….

    Report Post » MAULEMALL  
  • bikerdogred1
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 7:47pm

    If they are dumb enough to go there with all the trouble going on,the hell with them.

    Report Post »  
    • smokeysmoke
      Posted on July 14, 2012 at 8:58pm

      what if they were watching msnbc and thought everything was on the up and up… freedom and democracy… so they thought they would go visit… i guess your right… finally people should learn to reap what you sow

      Report Post » smokeysmoke  
    • sswanny
      Posted on July 15, 2012 at 11:00am

      No…The Muslim Brotherhood won the elections and Islam is the religion of peace. It is now completely safe to travel there. Right? The news, and progressives, tells us that the violence over there, and the terrorist attacks here on US soil are just an anomaly. I mean this couldn’t be a regular occurance in that region could it? Muslim “extremists” kidnapping people. Pshaw.

      Report Post »  

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