A US delegation to Saudi Arabia cut short its visit after an official asked an orthodox rabbi to remove his kippah, sparking controversy and highlighting concerns over religious freedom.
The incident occurred during a tour this week of the Diriyah UNESCO World Heritage site in Riyadh, led by Rabbi Abraham Cooper, chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). Despite previous approval from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the visit, Saudi officials requested that the rabbi remove his kippah during the tour and in public spaces.
Supported by US Embassy staff, Cooper refused to remove his kippah, stating it was against his religious practice as an observant Jew. This led to the delegation being escorted off the premises.
“No one should be denied access to a heritage site, especially one intended to highlight unity and progress, simply for existing as a Jew,” Cooper said in a statement regarding the incident.
“Saudi Arabia is in the midst of encouraging change under its 2030 Vision. However, especially in a time of raging antisemitism, being asked to remove my kippah made it impossible for us from USCIRF to continue our visit.” he added.
in its 2023 annual report, USCIRF recommended the Department of State designate Saudi Arabia as a “country of particular concern,” for systematic and ongoing religious freedom violations.
