US religious delegation leaves Saudi Arabia after Rabbi is asked to remove kippah

A delegation from the American Religious Freedom Commission, operating under the auspices of the US Congress, was compelled to cut its visit to Saudi Arabia short after a request for its rabbi to remove his kippah, as reported by ABC News.

The commission had been tasked with preparing a report on changes in the field of religious tolerance. Following two days of working meetings, the delegation proceeded to the city of Diriyah, known for its medieval center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During their visit, Rabbi Abraham Cooper, a member of the delegation, was approached by an administrative official who handed him the phone.

A government representative on the line demanded that the clergyman remove his traditional headdress.

"This demand is simply shocking, especially considering that we are at the forefront of promoting international religious freedoms and came here to prepare a report. It's akin to asking a Muslim woman to remove her hijab. Even when I visited the Soviet Union 50 years ago, such requests were unheard of," stated the rabbi.

Cooper refused to comply with the demand, a decision supported by the delegation. Consequently, they opted to return to the USA.

Notably, members of the mission reported no issues during meetings with Saudi representatives or visits to restaurants.

The rabbi emphasized that, under the leadership of the crown prince, Prince Muhammad bin Salman, Saudi authorities permit the private practice of other religions.

However, public manifestations of religions other than Islam are still prohibited under the kingdom's laws.