Jewish Man Arrested in NZ After Prayer Ritual Confused for Terrorist Act

A Jewish man on vacation in New Zealand caused a full anti-terrorism reaction after he strapped boxes on his leg and forehead in a Jewish prayer ritual:

The AFP reports the man was on a ferry and ferry officials called police before docking because they were concerned the man was preparing for a terrorist attack. Officials responded by arresting the man and his companion. They were later released.

According to the AFP, New Zealand Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres said the armed response was unfortunate and showed "an exaggerated fear of terrorism" in the country.

"It's just a reminder we ought to pause and think before we jump to conclusions," he said.