Story perspectives

Police Destroy Flag Kippah, Ben-Gvir Orders Removal; University Condemns

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Police in Modiin destroyed a kippah bearing Israeli-Palestinian flags after detaining lecturer Alex Sinclair on April 23, 2026, citing a report of a man wearing a Palestinian flag and placing the incident under review by Police Internal Investigations Division.
Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ordered removal of Palestinian flags, deemed unjustified, prompting Hebrew University of Jerusalem to condemn the police and demand criminal and civil proceedings against the officers.

History

Historical Context

Ariel Sharon’s 2005 unilateral disengagement removed about 9,000 settlers and dismantled 21 Gaza settlements, an operation carried out by the IDF and approved by the Knesset. The withdrawal left Israel still controlling Gaza’s borders, a point repeatedly contested in later symbolic clashes over flags and emblems, underscoring enduring internal divisions.

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Story summary

Police in Modiin destroyed a kippah bearing Israeli-Palestinian flags after detaining lecturer Alex Sinclair on April 23, 2026, citing a report of a man wearing a Palestinian flag and placing the incident under review by Police Internal Investigations Division.
Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ordered removal of Palestinian flags, deemed unjustified, prompting Hebrew University of Jerusalem to condemn the police and demand criminal and civil proceedings against the officers.

1 / 2