Anti-Israel protestor kicked out of Raleigh exhibit

From the News & Observer of Raleigh:

A self-described “provocative social activist” was expelled from the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at the N.C. Museum of Natural Science [in Raleigh] after refusing to remove a sign criticizing Israel.

D.J. Register of Durham drew complaints at the museum Friday with a sign on his shirt saying “Remember Palestinan Oppression,” “Boycott Israel” and “Don’t Buy Dead Sea Scroll Tickets.”

Museum officials say Register’s statement was considered protesting in a state government building without a permit. But Register said he was only exercising his personal opinion.

“The people paid good money to see the exhibit,” said Emelia Cowans, a museum spokeswoman. “He was ruining their experience.”

The scrolls offer a glimpse of the formative years of Judaism and Christianity. The Dead Sea Scrolls are in the possession of the Israel Antiquities Authority and routinely travel to museums.