In their confrontation with terrorism, nothing can reassure Egyptians more than the instinctive, grassroots, everyday heroism of their compatriots. Without a moment's hesitation Amm Salah, an unarmed and elderly man, attacked the terrorist in Helwan, enabling the police to immobilise and apprehend him. Amm Salah not only saved lives, he also demonstrated to the entire world how impervious to sectarian horror this society remains.