Saudi authorities apology to US rabbi from wearing Jewish skullcap in Riyadh

WESTHOUGHTON, March 13 (YPA) – The Saudi Embassy in the United States has apologized to American Rabbi Abraham Cooper after preventing him from wearing the Jewish skullcap during a visit to a site in the Kingdom.

The Saudi step prompted American rabbi and his accompanying delegation to cut short his visit in protest against the Saudi request.

The Saudi Embassy in Washington published a statement in which it expressed its regret over the “misunderstanding” that led to the Rabbi being prevented from wearing the Jewish skullcap.

“With regard to the recent incident in which a member of the visiting delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Rabbi Abraham Cooper – was prevented from entering the Diriyah Gate,” the embassy said in the statement.”This unfortunate incident was the result of a misunderstanding of internal protocols.”

The embassy added, “The matter was escalated to senior officials, and His Highness the Ambassador (Rima bint Bandar bin Sultan) was given the opportunity to speak with the Rabbi, which led to the matter being resolved, but we respect his decision not to continue the tour.”
It expressed its “aspiration to welcome the American rabbi again to the Kingdom.”

AA