A US delegation focused on religious freedom encountered controversy during its visit to Saudi Arabia, culminating in an incident where one of its members was asked to remove his Jewish head covering or kippah. The incident, which occurred during a tour of Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Riyadh, raises questions about religious tolerance and freedom in the Kingdom.
The USCIRF’s Visit:
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) delegation, led by Orthodox Rabbi Abraham Cooper and Vice Chair Reverend Frederick Davie, embarked on an official visit to Saudi Arabia. Their itinerary included a tour of Diriyah, a significant heritage site.
Controversial Request:
During the tour, Rabbi Abraham Cooper was asked by officials to remove his kippah, a religious head covering worn by Jewish men. Despite the approval of the site visit by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the request to remove the kippah was made, prompting Cooper to refuse.
Statement from Rabbi Abraham Cooper:
In response to the incident, Rabbi Cooper emphasised the importance of religious freedom and condemned the denial of access to a heritage site based on one’s religious identity. He underscored the need for unity and progress, especially in the face of rising anti-Semitism.
Implications for Religious Freedom:
The USCIRF delegation expressed disappointment over the incident, noting its significance as a US government advisory body promoting religious freedom worldwide. The incident raises concerns about the state of religious tolerance and freedom in Saudi Arabia, particularly amidst efforts to promote change under the country’s 2030 Vision.
Response from Vice Chair Reverend Frederick Davie:
Vice Chair Reverend Frederick Davie characterized the incident as “stunning and painful,” highlighting its contradiction with Saudi Arabia’s official narrative of change and progress. He lamented the missed opportunity to observe genuine signs of greater religious freedom in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s Perspective:
As of now, the Saudi embassy in Washington has not responded to requests for comment on the incident. The silence from Saudi officials adds to the ambiguity surrounding the motivations behind the request to remove the kippah and the broader state of religious freedom in the Kingdom.
Context of Regional Tensions:
The incident occurs amidst ongoing tensions between Saudi Arabia and Israel, particularly in the aftermath of the conflict in Gaza. Additionally, it coincides with US efforts to promote the normalization of ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel, highlighting the complexities of regional dynamics and diplomatic relations.
Conclusion:
The controversy surrounding the USCIRF delegation’s visit to Saudi Arabia underscores the importance of religious tolerance and freedom globally. As nations navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and seek to promote change and progress, incidents like these serve as reminders of the challenges inherent in fostering inclusivity and respect for diverse religious identities.
-Prisha Jaiswal