Tel-Aviv, June 12^th, 2008

H.E. Mr. Mohamad Assem Ibrahim

Ambassador of Egypt in Israel,

Tel-Aviv.

Excellency,

We, L'Union des Juifs d'Egypte/Association of Jews from Egypt, in Tel-Aviv, are highly protesting the cancellation of the trip to Egypt, which was scheduled on the 25/5/2008, led by Mrs. Levana Zamir, President of the Israel Egypt Friendship Association, together with 45 persons – all Jews from Egypt, as well as their descendants, coming from all over the world for a roots trip.

This trip was planned with the knowledge and tourism-encouragement of the Egyptian Embassy in Israel, with the approval of the Egyptian Security Authorities in Cairo and Alexandria, including security measures at the hotel, bus and sites to be visited by this group.

As you know, the trip included a meeting with the Egyptian Minister of Culture, Mr. Farouk Hosni, in his office in Cairo, scheduled by the Minister initiative.

Three days prior to the trip, a strange message was received regarding cancellation of the trip due to the incapability of the hotel to supply the security measures as promised. This reason is unacceptable, and if somebody or anyone tried to jeopardize this trip, we are surprised that the Egyptian Security and Government has given a hand to such a drastic occurrence, reverberation of which has been felt throughout the World.

We, the Jews from Egypt in Israel, convey deep respect and high estimation to the Egyptian Authorities, and find it hard to believe their behavior in this case.

Thanking you for all your attention, and awaiting your comments by return.

Sincerely yours,

Arie Ochana

Chairman – Union des Juifs d'Egypte

____________________________________________________________________

56, Rue Pinsker, Tel-Aviv – 61113 – Telefax: 03-5285534 - Email: egyjewas@zahav.net.il