Egypt cancels synagogue opening

Egypt canceled the official opening of a restored Cairo synagogue over what it called Jewish “provocative” actions.

The formal opening of the 19th-century Maimonides Synagogue, which was renovated by the Egyptian government, had been scheduled for March 14. But the event was canceled at the last minute following reports that during a Jewish community ceremony last week to mark the reopening, there was “dancing and drinking alcohol in the synagogue,” antiquities chief Zahi Hawass was quoted as saying.

The decision was also made at “a time when Muslim holy sites in occupied Palestine face assaults from Israeli occupation forces and settlers,” Hawass said, according to the French news agency AFP.

Ambassadors and rabbis were expected to attend the opening. — jta