In response to photos published in the Egyptian and Arab press showing Al-Azhar Sheikh Muhammad Sayyed Tantawi shaking hands with Israeli President Shimon Peres, Tantawi stated that he hadn't known who Peres was and that the handshake was by chance, not intentional.
He added that on this occasion he had shaken the hands of over 20 people all at once, instinctively and with good intentions.
Source: Al-Jarida, Kuwait, December 1, 2008











