PATERSON, N.J. ( — A Paterson police officer has drawn attention for wearing a Palestinian flag patch on his official uniform, raising questions about the appropriateness of displaying foreign national symbols while in service with a U.S. based law enforcement agency.
Officer Adeeb Iqnies, who has served with the Paterson Police Department for three years, appeared in a video interview proudly displaying the Palestinian flag and speaking about his heritage. “I’m a Palestinian who loves my country as well as Palestine,” Iqnies said. “We want to participate in the government and in these jobs in the departments to make a name for ourselves.”
Key Points
- Paterson officer wears Palestinian flag on duty, sparking online criticism and community debate.
- Critics say the flag may be intimidating amid rising antisemitism; others see it as cultural pride.
- Paterson PD has not responded to inquiries on uniform policy or disciplinary action.
Iqnies was asked by the interviewer in Arabic why he was working as a police officer in “Bethlehem”, however, he works in Paterson. In the Muslim community, Bethlehem refers to any city with a majority Muslim population.
The officer’s public display has prompted mixed reactions online, including criticism from Jewish commenters who said the symbol could be perceived as intimidating amid increased antisemitic incidents tied to pro-Palestinian demonstrations and tensions involving Hamas.
“This should be deemed inappropriate, no matter what country flag, the only flag he should be wearing in uniform is the American flag,” said one Jewish resident in the city. “It could be very intimidated for some of the Jewish faith considering what is going on in America with rising anti-semitism, particularly among pro-Palestine and pro-Hamas supporters. I wouldn’t want to get pulled over and see that.”
The city of Paterson has a large Muslim American population, and Iqnies noted the community’s growing presence within the department.
He estimated that there are around 15 Muslim officers, including Palestinians and Jordanians. “The police are loved and respected by the Arabs here because they are not a problem,” he said in the interview. “We advise those who come to us to join the police in general.”
As of Saturday, the Paterson Police Department has not responded to requests for comment regarding department policy on foreign flags or insignia on officer uniforms.
The video has fueled broader discussion on social media about national identity, community representation, and the role of politics in public service.
Paterson cop’s Palestinian flag patch on uniform ignites fierce debate over national symbols in U.S.