Former muftī of Egypt, Alī Gum’ah, has called upon Muslim youth to visit Jerusalem. This call stirred much contention in Egyptian political circles. Some political parties stated that the call is alien, ambiguous, not justified and considered a form of naturalization with ‘the Zionists’. Dr. Abd al- Ghaffār Shukr, head of the Socialist Popular Alliance Party, stated that since the Camp David agreement Muslims and Christians have given their support to the Palestinian people and refused rapproachment with Israel. This includes refusing to visit Israel or deal with it in any way. On the other hand, Ambassador Muhammad al-‘Urābī, the head of the Mu’tamar party and Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that the purpose of Dr. Ali Gum’ah’s call is to encourage Egyptians to visit the holy sites in Palestine. Al-‘Urābi stated that he agrees wholeheartedly to this call (Imān al- Shāhid, al- Ahrām, March 22). Read original text in Arabic.
