The Saudi Embassy apologizes for preventing a rabbi wearing a Jewish cap among the US delegation who visited the Kingdom recently
The Saudi Embassy in Washington confirmed on Tuesday that preventing a member of the US Commission for Religious Freedom from entering Diriyah Gate, because he was wearing a Jewish cap, was the result of a misunderstanding of internal protocols.
A statement posted on X from the KSA embassy in Washington, referring to this incident, and explaining that it resulted from a misunderstanding of internal protocols.
The statement indicated, “This matter has been resolved, but the guest’s decision not to complete the tour has been respected, and we look forward to welcoming him again to the Kingdom”.
Rabbi Abraham Cooper, a member of the committee, expressed his dissatisfaction with the request to remove his cap, and confirmed that he prevented them from visiting the Diriyah site.
He added, “No one should be denied access to a heritage site, especially if it aims to promote unity and progress, simply because they wear a yarmulke (the Jewish cap)”.
He also stressed that Saudi Arabia seeks change in accordance with Vision 2030, referring to its efforts to achieve economic and social transformation.
The KSA embassy expressed its regret that this incident occurred with a representative of a US government agency aimed at promoting religious freedom.
