Writer wearing kipa with Israeli and Palestinian flags arrested
Alex Sinclair, a writer and Hebrew University lecturer, was recently arrested in Modi'in, Israel, after a bystander complained about his kippah featuring both Israeli and Palestinian flags. Police detained Sinclair and allegedly returned his headcovering only after cutting out the Palestinian flag portion, an action he has since formally challenged. While displaying the Palestinian flag is not explicitly illegal in Israel, authorities often intervene under public order directives issued by the National Security Ministry. Sinclair, who identifies as both a Zionist and a human rights advocate, has filed a complaint for compensation and vowed to continue wearing the dual-flag kippah.
A strange and controversial incident occurred in Israel. On April 20, a man wearing a kipa adorned with Israeli and Palestinian flags was detained by police near Tel Aviv. CNN reported this.
It turned out that 53-year-old writer and Jerusalem Hebrew University lecturer Alex Sinclair was working in one of the cafes in his hometown of Modi'in. At that time, a religious man approached him, started an argument claiming his kipa was "against the law," and called the police.
Law enforcement officers who arrived at the scene informed Sinclair that his headwear would be confiscated and took him to the police station. The writer stated that he was searched there, briefly placed in a cell, and faced a number of restrictions.
Sinclair wrote on social media that the police initially refused to return his kipa. Later, a part of it was returned, but the Palestinian flag on the headwear was cut off. He believes a female police officer carried out this action.
According to current laws, publicly displaying the Palestinian flag is not entirely prohibited in Israel. However, authorities can impose restrictions if they deem the act could threaten public order. It is also known that in 2023, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir instructed the police to remove Palestinian flags.
While the police confirmed Sinclair's arrest, they did not officially comment on the claims of the kipa being cut.
Alex Sinclair, on the other hand, openly stated his views:
"I consider myself both a Zionist and a human rights defender. Palestinians also have the right to self-determination," he said.
The writer sharply criticized this incident and strongly condemned the police's actions. He has already filed an official complaint and is demanding compensation. At the same time, he announced that he will continue to wear a kipa adorned with both flags in the future.
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