Plane Diverted After Tefillin Mistaken for a Bomb
A commercial flight was diverted to Philadelphia after a Jewish passenger’s tefillin were mistaken for a bomb.
A passenger on the US Air flight Thursday from New York to Louisville mistook the religious prayer article as a bomb, after the Jewish passenger had taken them out to pray, according to reports.
Tefillin consist of two boxes each on a strap of leather.
The passengers and crew were taken off the plane in Philadelphia. Fire trucks and police met the plane on the runway. The Jewish passenger, reportedly 17, was questioned and released. No one was arrested in the incident.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
