The Keffiyeh

Originally pOSTED BY @earthtonadine on JUNE 10, 2011 at http://bit.ly/iCuPJF

Keffiyeh (كوفية) is a traditional headdress typically worn by Arab men made of square cloth, usually cotton, folded and wrapped in various styles.

The keffiyeh became a symbol of Palestinian nationalism during the 1936-1939 revolt against British colonialism. Jews of Palestine also wore the keffiyeh. Now what is it a symbol of?

Urban Outfitters recently stopped selling keffiyehs after a pro-Israel activist complained about it; the store issued a statement that “the company had not intended to imply any sympathy for or support of terrorists or terrorism.”

Caroline Glick, my favorite person on Earth (sarcasm), equates the Palestinian keffiyeh with the fascist wearing of brown shirts. I had to laugh out loud at that one. This is what the keffiyeh has come down to:

As a Palestinian, it is quite irritating to watch the keffiyeh turn into a symbol of “terrorism.” It is also quite irritating to watch the keffiyeh turn into a fashion statement when it means so much more. On twitter, I asked Palestinians and non-Palestinians “What does the keffiyeh represent in your eyes?”

@SoulFYA: To me, the keffiyeh is dignity. Humanity with its head up. The struggle on its feet and marching forward. It’s persistence in the face of defeat. Steadfastness and dedication to Palestine, this is what the keffiyeh means to me.

@JamilSbitan: Resistance and Palestinian identity.

@the_medstar: It’s a sense of identity, nostalgic and a reminder that we will never forget Palestine. Wear it with pride like Yasser Arafat did.

@adamhudson5: To me, the keffiyeh represents Palestinian nationalism and solidarity with the Palestinian people’s struggle for liberation.

@hamzah_1992: It stands for my solidarity with the Palestinian people, and for all those who are oppressed from all corners of the world.

@Zinvor: In the West, the keffiyeh has unfortunately turned into a hipster fashion statement.

@ToastAndBanana: Struggle against foreign occupiers, a symbol of independence in a way, definitley one of strength.

@MagnusREriksen: Dignity

@Hala_Ab: It’s part of your identity as a Palestinian.

@dream23fb: represents resistance against the Zionist project of erasing Palestine.

@YasirTineh: It’s my ID-card, It represents me as a Palestinian, The Struggle for Palestine, A culture that is rich in customs, Our Resistance and Our Love.

Leila Khaled, [in]famous Palestinian woman