Two star-crossed lovers set Jordan's religious divides ablaze

Two star-crossed lovers in Jordan have sparked sectarian strife in their divided village

In a modern day retelling of the classic Shakespeare play, young lovers in Jordan have sparked sectarian strife in their divided village.  

Within a population dominated by Muslims, Fuheis stands proud as Jordan's Christian stronghold. But the religious foundations of this small town have been shaken by a forbidden romance that has sent its people into panic. 

In a bid to retain its religious independence, Fuheis' Christian community are expected to marry within their own faith. With a religion and culture apart from the rest of Jordan, the very fabric of this town of 20,000 is now being challenged by two star-crossed lovers.  

When news surfaced earlier this week that a Christian girl from a well-known Fuheis family had eloped and converted for her Muslim boyfriend, the people of Fuheis refused to take the interfaith love affair lying down.  

On Tuesday night over 400 protestors took to the streets forcing the closure of a central road. They set fire to the boyfriend's car and threatened to burn down his parent's house, leaving his family no choice but to flee.  

Yesterday the unrest spread to the royal palace where demonstrators from the village tried to get the King involved in their local dispute. 

As the story continues to unfold, Fuheis' very own Romeo and Juliet have shed light on wider sectarian divides in the Kingdom. 

Is it important for Fuheis to keep hold of its Christianity by whatever means necessary or do you think the people need to be more open to interfaith marriages? Is Jordan a country divided? Leave us your comments below!