I know Pope Shenouda was more anti-Israel than the moslems (Middle Eastern chrstians are among the most anti-Jewish people on earth). But to ban pilgrimages to the Holy Land because it is controlled by Jews? That's just sick!
I'm a little apprehensive about this. Tawadros is probably going to make demands, possibly that Jews stay off the Temple Mount (a rebuilt Temple is historical chrstianity's worst nightmare). And the Israeli government, being secular, will of course bend over backwards.
Of course, maybe it's just "the enemy of my enemy is my friend."
The reason of the visit is a large motley collection of Israelis joined forces to rescue Copts from the mudslime brotherhood.