U.S. diplomats end Saudi Arabia trip after Jewish chair told to remove kippah

Source: United Press International

MARCH 11, 2024 / 7:19 PM

U.S. diplomats end Saudi Arabia trip after Jewish chair told to remove kippah

By Sheri Walsh

March 11 (UPI) -- U.S. diplomats visiting Saudi Arabia last week cut their trip short after a Saudi official asked the Jewish chair to remove his kippah, the organization announced Monday.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom -- or USCIRF -- left during a visit Tuesday to the Diriyah UNESCO World Heritage Site in Riyadh, after the organization's chair Rabbi Abraham Cooper was told to remove his religious head covering.

"No one should be denied access to a heritage site, especially one intended to highlight unity and progress, simply for existing as a Jew," said Cooper.

"Saudi Arabia is in the midst of encouraging change under its 2030 vision. However, especially in a time of raging anti-semitism, being asked to remove my kippah made it impossible for us from USCIRF to continue our visit," Cooper added.

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Read more: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2024/03/11/uscirf-leaves-saudi-visit-jewish-chair-kippah/5421710196605/