A top-ranking Islamic religious leader said to be close to the Saudi throne visited Jerusalem this week and met with President Chaim Herzog, Mayor Teddy Kollek and the Ashkenazic chief rabbi, Avraham Shapira.
The visitor was identified as Sheik Ishak Idris Sakoote, a senior adviser to the Islamic League, a fund-raising organization for Islamic institutions headquartered in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Some of the league’s grants have gone to Islamic institutions in Israel and in the administered territories.
The sheik reportedly told Herzog he considered his visit a good omen and said he hoped it would contribute to the cause of peace.
The chief rabbi told the Islamic dignitary, “This meeting may still bring good to the people of Israel and the entire world.”
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