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Israeli police investigate after officers cut Palestinian flag from kippah
Alex Sinclair says police detained him in Modiin, confiscated his kippah, and later returned it with the Palestinian flag cut out. The police issued a statement about addressing a report on a kippah with a Palestinian flag, and Sinclair has filed a complaint with the internal investigations unit. The incident drew criticism from political figures and a university, and raised questions about freedom of expression and police conduct.
Why It Matters
The episode underscores tensions around symbols tied to identity and politics in Israel, and prompts questions about police handling of expressions and potential impacts on civil liberties.
Timeline
2 Events
April 24, 2026 – Police statement and public reaction to incident
April 24, 2026
In a statement, Israeli police said officers attended the scene to address a hotline report about a man wearing a kippah with a Palestinian flag. Following clarification, Sinclair was released; a complaint was filed with the Police Internal Investigations Division, and no further details were provided at that stage. The article notes there is no explicit Israeli law banning public displays of the Palestinian flag, though police can remove or confiscate items deemed a threat to public order. The incident drew criticism from Yair Golan and prompted a strongly worded letter from Hebrew University. Sinclair has filed a complaint seeking compensation for the damaged kippah and plans to order a new kippah with both flags.
April 20, 2026 – Alex Sinclair detained by police over kippah with Palestinian flag; flag cut from item returned later
April 20, 2026
Alex Sinclair, 53, was sitting in a cafe in Modiin when a man confronted him about his kippah, which features a Palestinian flag. Two officers arrived, told him the kippah was 'against the law,' and confiscated it. Sinclair was taken to the police station, searched, and held in a cell before being released without the kippah. He later received the kippah back with the Palestinian flag removed.