Police detain Modiin man for wearing kippa with Palestinian flag, cut it out
The Times of Israel • • world
Key Points:
- Alex Sinclair, an educator in Modiin, was detained by police for wearing a kippa featuring both Israeli and Palestinian flags, which officers claimed was illegal, leading to the confiscation and destruction of the kippa.
- Sinclair refused to surrender the kippa initially and was taken to the police station, where the head covering was returned with the Palestinian flag portion cut out, prompting him to file a complaint with the Department of Internal Police Investigations.
- Police confirmed the detention but stated the man was released after investigation and declined further comment due to the ongoing complaint, while noting they respond to reports involving the Palestinian flag.
- The incident occurs amid ongoing tensions over the display of Palestinian flags in Israel, with far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir pushing for a ban, though police reportedly resist enforcing a blanket prohibition absent incitement.
- Authorities frequently confiscate Palestinian flags under claims of maintaining public order, as seen in previous cases such as the 2016 Facebook post arrest, highlighting the contentious nature of Palestinian symbols in Israeli public spaces.
