(Jerusalem Post) Jonathan Spyer - The most significant Islamist insurgency group fighting against the Egyptian authorities in northern Sinai today is Ansar Beit al-Maqdis (Supporters of Jerusalem). It originated in Gaza, and made its way to Sinai following the ouster of President Mubarak in 2011. The group's name will raise a smile from Hebrew-speakers. The Arabic term "Bayt al-Maqdis" for Jerusalem derives from the Hebrew name for the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem - "Beit Hamikdash." Many Muslims fiercely deny that any Jewish Temple ever stood in Jerusalem.
2014-02-18 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive