Hebron and the Imam

Here's a great report:

Sheikh Professor Abdul Hadi Palazzi, the director of the Italian Muslim Association, came to Hebron. An Imam, Sheikh Palazzi is no stranger to Hebron; he visited and toured the Jewish community five years ago. Accompanied by the founder and director of the Root and Branch Association, Aryeh Gallin, Sheikh Palazzi visited Hebron-Kiryat Arba Chief Rabbi Dov Lior at his Kiryat Arba home. Later, introducing the Sheikh to the listening audience in Hebron, Rabbi Lior praised his honesty, courage and sense of justice.

Sheikh Palazzi, well-known for his "Pro-Israel-Zionist" opinions, said he came to Hebron due to the situation the community is now facing. He said that following the catastrophic expulsion from Gush Katif this past summer, which he opposed, he is very worried that the Israeli government will attempt to continue to expel Jews from their homeland. For this reason, he came to show support for a continued Jewish presence in Hebron, and at present, especially in the Mitzpe Shalhevet neighborhood.

Hebron residents and guests applauded Sheikh Palazzi's speech, and many people approached him to shake his hand and express their thanks for his remarks.

Following dinner at Hebron resident's home, the Sheikh toured the Tel Rumeida neighborhood and viewed the fascinating archaeological excavations at the site, before leaving back to Jerusalem.