Egypt grand mufti testifies to academy over J'lem visit
By JPOST.COM STAFF
Egypt's grand mufti, Dr. Ali Gomaa, attended on Thursday an emergency session at the Islamic Research Academy in Cairo to discuss the legal implications of his visit to Jerusalem, a city many Egyptian religious officials say is forbidden to visit duer to Israeli control of the city.The grand mufti appeared before members of the academy, led by Al-Azhar Grand Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, in order to clarify details surrounding his visit, Egyptian state-owned Al Ahram'swebsite reported. Following the session, members of the tribunal were expected to hold a press conference in which they would offer the academy's official statement.The session came after Gomaa roused the ire of Egyptian religious authorities on Wednesday, announcing that he had visited the Al Aksa mosque within the Old City walls.Gomma called the visit "unofficial," adding that he entered Jerusalem from Jordan and not through Israeli territory.The mufti's spokesman told Al-Ahram that the trip which was his first did not indicate "any recognition of the Zionist entity" - a reference to Israel.Reuters contributed to this reportLos Angeles police begin clearing a USC pro-Palestinian encampment
