Controversy & Conflict in One Kippah: A Conversation with Dr. Alex Sinclair

In this episode of The Pluralist Podcast: From Both Sides of the Ocean, we speak with educator and author Dr. Alex Sinclair about a moment that quickly went viral — when he was detained for wearing a kippah stitched with both Israeli and Palestinian flags, only to have it returned with the Palestinian flag cut out.But this conversation goes far beyond one incident.Together, we explore what it means to love Israel honestly at a time when many are struggling with the gap between their values and the actions of the state — and what it looks like to hold onto a vision of a more just, pluralistic future.In this episode:What actually happened in the café — and why it resonated so widelyThe challenge of being a liberal Zionist in this momentThe line between criticism, loyalty, and responsibilityWhat gives hope, even nowLearn more from Alex Sinclair:📘 Perfect Enemy (novel):http://alexjsinclair.com/perfectenemy📘 Loving the Real Israel:https://a.co/d/06Ookd4H📝 Alex’s original Facebook post:https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18eLhedZ5v/?mibextid=wwXIfr📰 Jerusalem Post article:https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-894260📰 HAARETZ article:https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/2026-04-26/ty-article-opinion/.premium/a-kippa-with-israel-and-palestine-flags-got-me-detained-this-is-why-i-wear-it/0000019d-ca74-d11b-a7df-ef7e1aff0000?utm_source=App_Share&utm_medium=iOS_Native