Israel Matzav

Jews barred from Baba Sali's grandfather's tomb

Egypt has barred Jews from visiting the grave of Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeira zt"l (may the memory of the righteous be blessed), the grandfather of the Baba Sali and the scion of the Abuhatzeira dynasty (Hat Tip: Dan F).

For the first time in recent history, Egypt has decided to completely bar Jews from visiting the tomb of Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeira, head of the dynasty that included Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira, the famed “Baba Sali.”

The decision, issued by regional ruler Mukhtar el-Hamlawi, was reported by the Palestinian Authority news agency Wafa.

El-Hamlawi reported that a Cairo court had ruled that celebrations are forbidden at the tomb, and Jewish visitors would be barred for that reason.

In addition, he said, “We prohibit Jews from visiting the tomb because we identify with the Palestinian people, and because we do not want to offend the Egyptian public’s sensitivities.”

Egyptian opposition parties, led by the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood, attempted to prevent Israeli Jews from visiting the rabbi’s tomb in 2009.

While then-President Hosni Mubarak agreed to allow the visits, the pilgrimage was cancelled for the first time as opposition parties vowed to prevent Jews from visiting.

Mubarak continued to allow Israelis to visit, and even announced in 2010 that he would grant an unlimited number of permits.

Aren't you glad we got rid of the 'evil' Mubarak?

Labels: Egyptian Revolution, Hosni Mubarak

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 6:20 PM