Saudi Arabia says incident involving rabbi's kippah was 'unfortunate'

Saudi Arabia responds to religious freedom delegation cut short in Saudi Arabia as co-chair refuses to remove kippah in public

MARCH 13, 2024 00:26

Updated: MARCH 13, 2024 18:18

SAUDI AMBASSADOR to Washington Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud has introduced new terminology stating that Saudi Arabia wants integration with Israel. These expressions cannot be ignored, says the writer. (photo credit: Ahmed Yosri/Reuters) — SAUDI AMBASSADOR to Washington Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud has introduced new terminology stating that Saudi Arabia wants integration with Israel. These expressions cannot be ignored, says the writer.

(photo credit: Ahmed Yosri/Reuters)

During a visit to Diriyah in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, US Religious Freedom Commission co-chair Rabbi Abraham Cooper was asked to remove his kippah in public by Saudi officials.

After the delegation abruptly left Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Embassy in the US posted on X that they viewed the incident as “unfortunate” and the “result of a misunderstanding.” According to the statement, HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud had the opportunity to speak with Cooper to resolve the matter. Finally, they stated that they “respect his decision not to continue the tour.”

A statement regarding a recent incident involving a US Delegation Visiting Saudi Arabia https://t.co/t1C1GQZvsx pic.twitter.com/nh4ZIAZxfp
— Saudi Embassy USA (@SaudiEmbassyUSA) March 12, 2024

Monitoring religious freedom

RABBI ABRAHAM COOPER, pictured in his office at the Simon Wiesenthal Center. (credit: MARIO ANZUONI/REUTERS)

Cooper was in Saudi Arabia as co-chair of the US government delegation tasked with monitoring religious freedom worldwide. Arriving on March 3, the delegation was invited to Diriyah, the original home of the Saudi royal family.

Following the incident, Cooper said that “no one should be denied access to a heritage site ... simply for existing as a Jew.” He also noted that in light of the rising antisemitism around the world, he felt that it would be impossible for them to continue the tour.

A fellow member of the US delegation, Reverend Frederick A. Davie, described the incident as “stunning and painful” and expressed concern about the state of the country’s religious freedom.