Writer Detained in Israel for Wearing Kippah Featuring Flags of Two States
An unusual incident has occurred in Israel, sparking widespread discussion on social media and among the public. According to Zamin.uz and reports from prominent international outlets, on April 20, a man wearing a kippah depicting both Israeli and Palestinian flags was detained by police near Tel Aviv.
It emerged that Alex Sinclair, a 53-year-old writer and lecturer at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, was working on his computer at a cafe in his home city of Modiin. A religious man approached him, claiming that his kippah violated current laws, started an altercation, and immediately called law enforcement.
Police officers arriving at the scene informed Sinclair that his headgear would be confiscated and took him to the station. According to Sinclair, he underwent a strip search at the station, was held in a cell for some time, and faced various restrictions.
The writer posted on social media that the police initially refused to return his headgear. The kippah was later returned to him, but the section featuring the Palestinian flag had been cut out.
Sinclair believes this was done intentionally by a female police officer. Under Israeli law, the public display of the Palestinian flag is not entirely prohibited.
However, authorities have the right to remove the flag if they believe it poses a threat to public order. Last year, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir instructed police to remove Palestinian flags from public spaces.
While police representatives confirmed Sinclair's detention, they have not yet issued an official response regarding the allegations of the damaged headgear. Alex Sinclair has openly stated his views, considering himself both a supporter of the State of Israel and a human rights advocate, emphasizing that Palestinians also have the right to self-determination.
The writer strongly condemned the incident, filed an official complaint against the police, and is seeking compensation for moral damages. He also stated that he would not change his beliefs and intends to continue wearing items featuring both flags in the future.
