Anger and disapproval dominated Al-Ahram yesterday, as journalists and staff called for an inquiry into Hala Mustafa's meeting with Israeli ambassador Shalom Cohen two days ago. Mustafa is the editor of Democracy magazine, which is published by Al-Ahram.
The Press Syndicate bars its members from any contact with Israelis, which it says would constitute a “normalization" of relations with Israel. 
"Journalists for Al-Ahram" movement said the staff were surprised by a meeting between Al-Ahram editor-in-chief Osama Saraya and Abdel Mohesn Salama, undersecretary of the Press Syndicate, in which the pair agreed to give Mustafa their “full support" and prevent the syndicate from taking action against her. To that effect, Salama postponed a Thursday meeting of the syndicate, hoping the issue would settle after the Eid vacation.
Not everyone is happy with syndicate’s approach. “We will not let this incident pass without holding accountable those responsible," said Alaa Thabit, a member of the syndicate. The movement demands Hala be removed from her post and subjected to an inquiry.
The staff syndicate of Al-Ahram denounced the meeting, stating that Mustafa’s behavior caused division in the institution. The syndicate went on to describe Mustafa’s meeting with Cohen as “personal" and not a danger to the institution’s policy.
On the same day the controversy erupted, Saraya appointed four new editors: Ahmed Mousa, news and legal editor; Nasr Al-Qaffas, for the Arabic edition; Abdel Mohsen Salama, for reports and proofing; and Mona Ragab, editor-in-chief for radio and TV Affairs.
