Egypt Detains Israelis With Manuscripts

CAIRO — Two Israelis were detained at Cairo Airport as they were leaving the country with ancient Hebrew-language biblical manuscripts in their possession, the newspaper Al Akhbar said Friday.

The newspaper said the Israelis had five large manuscripts and three small ones, as well as three plates with Hebrew inscriptions.

The Israelis, identified as David Sasson and Gabriel Jonah, said that the manuscripts dated back before Christ and that they had brought them into Egypt from abroad.

Authorities delayed their departure and asked an archeological expert to examine the manuscripts to determine their value and whether they originated in Egypt.