Rabbi Files Lawsuit Against Broward Sheriff’s Office Over Forced Removal Of Yarmulka

by JewishMiami.info

Rabbi Beryl Zwibel, a Jewish resident of South Florida has filed a lawsuit against the Broward Sheriff’s Office over two incidents where he was forced to remove his yarmulka.

Zwibel found himself not once, but twice forced to remove his yarmulka last year as he protested while being booked at the main jail.

“I want to send a message to the Broward Sheriff’s Office that one’s religious faith cannot be tampered with,” Rabbi Zwibel told Local10 News.

The Rabbi was being booked both times for failure to appear in court over a traffic citation, of which he claims he had not been informed of.

Despite policy saying that religious head coverings are allowed, body cam footage from the Broward Sheriff’s Office shows as officers told Zwibel that he would have to remove it, saying “Unfortunately, In here they are not going to allow you to,” following his request to keep it on.

Rabbi Zwibel complied with the officers instructions.

The lawsuit, filed in civil court, is pending litigation.