US government delegation cuts short Saudi trip after rabbi is asked to remove kippah
As a member of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, I recently experienced a deeply troubling incident that has left me questioning the true extent of religious freedom in certain parts of the world. During an official visit to Saudi Arabia, I, along with my colleague, Reverend Frederick Davie, were shocked when officials requested that I remove my kippah while at a site visit. This request, despite prior approval from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, left us with no choice but to cut short our trip. The irony of being asked to remove a religious symbol in a country that is supposed to be fostering change and progress under its 2030 Vision is not lost on me.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker