Alvin Ailey Artist Forced to Dance for Israeli Cops

Black dancer with Muslim name ordered to dance to prove ID
By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 10, 2008 4:50 AM CDT
Alvin Ailey Artist Forced to Dance for Israeli Cops
Alvin Ailey dancer Abdur-Rahim Jackson was ordered to dance for Israeli airport cops to prove his identity.   (AP Photo/Moti Milrod)

A member of New York's Alvin Ailey dance troupe with a Muslim name was forced to dance for Israeli airport cops in a holding cell to prove his identity, AP reports. "It was embarrassing," said Abdur-Rahim Jackson. "The only time I'm really expected to dance is when I'm performing."

Jackson, who is black, was separated from other members of the troupe as they landed in Israel to begin a six-nation performance tour. He was ordered to dance for a group of male security officers and a second time for a female cop. One officer suggested Jackson change his name, he said. Officials have apologized. (More Alvin Ailey stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X