Jordanian tourism ministry warns Israeli tourists on Jewish symbols

JERUSALEM (JTA) — The Jordanian tourism ministry warned Israelis not to wear Jewish symbols when visiting the country.

The ministry also suggested that visitors to Jordan not perform any Jewish rituals there.

A letter with the warning was sent by the Jordanian Tourism Ministry and Antiquities to tour guides in Israel late last month, but just became public on Wednesday. The letter is believed to be out of concern for Israeli travelers’ safety, not something discriminatory, according to The Jerusalem Post.

In June, six Israeli tourists were assaulted in a southern Jordan market because they were wearing kippot.

In recent years, Jordanian authorities would not allow Jewish tourists to enter the country with tefillin. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor told The Jerusalem Post that it was to protect the safety of the travelers, who could upset Jordanians by praying in public.
 

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