A disturbing incident took place at Egypt’s Taba International Airport after an Israeli traveler was detained simply for putting on tefillin while waiting for his flight.

The story unfolded inside the terminal, which has recently become a major transit hub for Israelis and Americans looking to travel back to the states, due to ongoing airspace restrictions tied to Operation Roaring Lion and the broader “Lion’s Wings” repatriation mission.

According to people witnessing the story, tensions were already high when Egyptian staff confronted a Fru, passenger who was quietly learning Gemara, warning him that such activity was not permitted in the terminal. Moments later, another Israeli traveler took out his tallis and tefillin. Within seconds, Egyptian security personnel rushed over, confiscated his passport, and detained him on the spot.

The scene quickly caused alarm among everyone else, many of whom described an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Travelers reported feeling that even basic expressions of Jewish identity were being closely monitored and restricted.

The detained Israeli was released after missing his flight and waiting some time thanks to intervention by Israeli officials and was permitted to board a later flight.

The incident comes as the Israeli officials continue to warn travelers passing through Egypt to avoid displaying religious items. Despite its growing role as a key transit route, the area remains under a high-level travel warning.