U.S. Religious Freedom Delegation Ends Saudi Visit Early Over Kippah Incident

A U.S. delegation cut their Saudi Arabia trip short after a rabbi was ordered to remove his kippah, sparking concerns over religious freedom.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom ended their Saudi Arabia visit early after Rabbi Abraham Cooper was told to remove his kippah.
Saudi officials described the incident as a 'misunderstanding of internal protocols,' but it has raised questions about religious tolerance.
Despite progress in private worship for various faiths, public display of non-Islamic religious symbols remains criminalized in Saudi Arabia.
The incident occurs amidst heightened religious tensions in the Middle East, partly due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The U.S. State Department has expressed concerns to Saudi authorities and hopes the incident will encourage further strides in religious freedom.