The passenger, who did not disclose his identity, stated in his post on his social media account that while he was boarding flight AA2829 from New York, USA, to Phoenix, on November 28, he was warned by the American Airlines flight attendant to take off his sweater with “Palestine” written on it or to put it on by turning it inside out. did.
Stating that he was threatened with being removed from the plane by law enforcement officers if he did not do this, the passenger stated that he wore his sweater inside out “because he was not aware of his rights and was alone.”
I asked the flight attendant, “What about my feelings?” The passenger stated that he asked: “I’m sorry, but this is political.” He stated that the answer was given.
The passenger noted the following regarding the attitude of the airlines:
“Even though there was nothing insulting or profane on (my sweater), I decided to do what they wanted. Our voice will never be silenced. You are complicit in the murder of innocent Palestinian children in Gaza and you have the audacity to call it ‘political’.”
US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MEMBER TLAİB REQUESTED A STATEMENT FROM THE AIRLINES COMPANY
Rashida Tlaib, Member of the House of Representatives of Palestinian origin, reacted to the airline company in her post on her Instagram account regarding the incident in question. Tlaib asked, “Does American Airlines have a bias against Palestinians? Do they have company policies that enable this kind of targeting and mistreatment?” she asked the questions.
Tlaib stated that she sent an e-mail to the company regarding this issue and that she was waiting for a response on the issue.
Tlaib said, “Palestinians exist. We are human and we will not be erased.” he said.
“VOICES ARE BEING SILENCED AND MARGINALIZED”
“This action by American Airlines is not only discriminatory, but also contributes to the broader context of prejudice against Palestinians and their right to self-identify,” the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee said in a written statement. evaluation was made.
“This incident is emblematic of the widespread discrimination that Palestinians and their supporters often face, and points to a worrying trend towards the silencing and marginalization of their voices,” the statement said. It was said.
The committee called on the airline to “make a formal apology” to the aggrieved passenger.
Although the airline company’s website, which does not make any statement on the subject, warns that “passengers must dress appropriately and that bare feet or uncomfortable clothing are not allowed”, there is no written company policy regarding clothing deemed “political”.