Anti-intermarriage protesters gather outside wedding hall

Dozens of demonstrators assemble some 200 meters away from the Rishon Lezion hall where bride and groom Morel Malka and Mahmoud Mansour celebrate their wedding as planned.

Over 100 policemen patrol the scene, barring the protesters from coming closer to the wedding hall and preventing disturbances.

The rally, organized by the Lehava anti-intermarriage organization, is protesting the couple’s mixed marriage: Morel comes from a Jewish background, although she recently converted to Islam.

Nearby, dozens of counter-protesters bear balloons and signs congratulating the newlyweds.

“As I told the groom and bride — in the end, love will win,” Mahmoud’s mother, Fadua, tells Ynet. She says Morel was shaken by the public criticism, but adds that “she is still strong, and will stay strong until the end.”

Lehava posted the wedding invitation of Morel Malka and Mahmoud Mansour on social media, calling on protesters to arrive with banners and bullhorns to protest. (photo credit: Facebook screenshot)