Security in Damanhūr imposed a security blockade in order to ensure the safety of hundreds of Israeli Jews who are visiting Abū Hasīrah's shrine for the yearly celebration of the Jewish Egyptian rabbi.

Many opposing forces declared their rejection of the celebration, including the Muslim Brotherhood, Egyptian Movement for Change [Kifāyah], National Front for Change, Democratic Front Party, as well as a number of bloggers.

The groups are planning to organize a protest on Thursday in front of the Damanhūr court building demanding the constitutional court to ban the annual celebration.

(Reviewer Note: This story was also covered by al-Dustūr, al-Misrī al-Yawm, and again in al-Shurūq al-Jadīd)