Muslim Insurgents in Sinai Unwittingly Name Themselves after the Bais Hamikdosh

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 Yerushalayim derives from the Hebrew name for the Bais Hamikdosh. Many Muslims fiercely deny that any Bais Hamikdosh ever stood in Yerushalayim.

Uh, oops. They might want to change their name…

{Matzav.com Israel News Bureau}