Egyptian officials are questioning 25 suspects arrested in November 2009 regarding their connection to terrorist plots; their stockpiling of weapons; and conspiracy to perpetrate attacks in Egypt. According to reports, the arrests were made in Mansoura, near Cairo, stating the suspects are aligned with a new Islamic organization.

According to a report appearing in the Egyptian daily al-Masry al-Youm, the group planned to target the Kever of Rav Yaakov Abuchatzera (known as the “Abir Yaakov”) on the yahrzeit and attack mispalalim visiting the kever as well as targeting American ships in the Suez Canal. Additionally, they planned to assist Hamas with ongoing efforts to fortify by sending weapons to Gaza.

YWN-Israel reported (http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/article.php?p=44005) that Egyptian officials did not wish to permit Jews to visit the Kever on the last yahrzeit but following the intervention of the prime minister and diplomatic officials, the visit was permitted but now the reason for Egypt’s refusal is increasingly clear. Hundreds visited the kever on the tzaddik’s yahrzeit.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)