American Airlines faces backlash for 'Palestine' sweater incident

By Melike Pala

ANKARA (AA) - An American Airlines flight attendant asked a passenger who was wearing a sweater with "Palestine" to remove it or wear it inside out.

The unidentified passenger said on social media that on Nov. 28, while boarding a flight from New York City to Phoenix, Arizona, the flight attendant warned him to take off or reverse the sweater or he would be removed from the plane by law enforcement.

The passenger, noting he wore the sweater inside out because he was not aware of his rights and felt alone, said he asked the attendant about his feelings and the response was: "Sorry, but this is political."

The passenger commented on the airline's attitude:

"Although there was nothing offensive or vulgar on (my sweater), I decided to do what they wanted. Our voice will never be silenced. You are complicit in the killing of innocent Palestinian children in Gaza, and you have the audacity to label it as 'political.'"

- US Representative Tlaib calls for explanation from airline

"Does American Airlines have a bias towards Palestinians? Is there a policy that enables this kind of targeting and mistreatment?" US congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who is of Palestinian origin, wrote about the incident on Instagram.

Tlaib said she emailed the airline about the issue and expected a response.

- 'Voices are being silenced and marginalized'

A statement by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee said the action by American Airlines is not only about discrimination.

"This action taken by American Airlines is not only discriminatory but also contributes to the broader context of prejudice against Palestinians and their right to self-identification," it said.

The group urged the airline to issue an official apology to the passenger.

Although the airline’s website contains a warning for passengers to dress appropriately and does not allow bare feet or disturbing clothing, there is no company policy regarding clothing labeled as

"political."

*Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul