In Parashas Bo, we learn about the mitzvah of Tefillin as a symbol of the rememberance of the Exodus of Egypt. It is no coincidence that Hashem also publicizes this mitzvah today in our world through a tiny little incident which made headlines this week in a small airplane.
A plane from New York's La Guardia Airport was diverted to Philadelphia after a teenage passenger put on a religious item disrupting the flight Thursday morning.
Authorities say, Chautauqua Airlines flight 3079 from LaGuardia to Louisville was diverted to Philadelphia after a 17-year-old male strapped on a "tefillin" for prayer purposes after takeoff.
Sources say a female flight attendant had never seen a tefillin before, which has two small black boxes with black straps attached to them and one box was placed on his head and the other tied to his arm. The attendant became concerned and reported it.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says they were notified of a "disruptive passenger" on the plane and as a result was diverted to Philly.
The plane that departed LaGuardia at7:25a.m. landed in Philadelphia at8:50a.m. and the teen and his 16-year-old sister were met by Homeland Security and the Philadelphia Police Bomb Squad.
"Per standard procedures, TSA and law enforcement personnel met the flight. The disruptive passenger was interviewed, the plane was swept with negative findings, and the flight is taxiing to the gate," the TSA.
The commuter plane operated by Chautauqua Airlines under the US Airways name was occupied by 15 passengers who according to sources were unaware of the incident.
No charges have been filed and the plane remains on the ground at Philadelphia International Airport.