World Keffiyeh Day is celebrated on May 11th. The Palestinian Keffiyeh (aka “Shemagh” / “Kufiya”) has been a symbol of Palestinian identity and resistance for decades; you might have seen this iconic headwear recently in a protest demonstration by the student demanding a ceasefire. What’s a keffiyeh? It's not just a trend or symbol related to Gaza. Keffyah has a rich history filled with sacrifice and struggles.
The Keffiyah has a deep history in Arabic culture as a male head scarf and has become a symbol of Palestinian resistance to occupation since the Arab Revolt in Palestine in 1936. This uprising against British rule included demands for independence, and at that time, most of the armed resistance took place in the villages.
The fighters used the keffiyeh, a traditional Palestinian scarf, to conceal their identities, leading it to become associated with the revolution. The revolution's leaders ordered men to wear the keffiyeh to show solidarity with the revolutionaries and to prevent the British from distinguishing the fighters from others.
Keffiyeh Origin, The Historical Background
After the establishment of the state of Israel on Palestinian land in 1948 and the subsequent displacement of thousands of Palestinians, the keffiyeh began to evolve as a symbol of resilience against occupation; it became emblematic of the Palestinian cause, worn by both those displaced and those who remained.
In the 1950s, an arbitrary decision was issued by British officer General John Glubb to designate black and white fabric for Palestinian soldiers, distinguishing them from their Jordanian counterparts who wore red and white keffiyehs in the Arab Legion, solidifying its significance ultimately. It became one of the most distinctive political symbols of the twentieth century.
Years after, in the period between (1967 - 1993) when the occupation government banned the Palestinian flag to obliterate everything that is called Palestinian, Kuffiyeh became the unofficial flag of Palestine. The traditional Palestinian keffiyeh was worn by Palestinian ancestors for years to affirm their identity and rightful claim to Palestinian land.
Today, it is impossible to enter a Palestinian home in the Westbank, Gaza, and even the refugee houses in the diaspora without finding olives, authentic Palestinian olive oil, and also the traditional keffiyeh!
For now, it's not just a heritage or identity Palestinians have always been proud of; it's a revolutionary sign, an effective icon to the Palestinian cause to represent freedom and the dream of a return to the homeland with an international celebration day, world keffiyeh day every 11th of May.
Keffiyeh Sales Soar!
The escalating genocide has brought attention to the Palestinian situation on a global scale. There has been a significant shift in awareness and support for the Palestinian cause, particularly in international universities. This marks a historic and impactful change in global perception, leading to a surge in demand for keffiyeh made in Palestine worldwide.
Since October 2023, the keffiyeh Palestine has seen a surge in popularity, with Amazon sales rising by 75% in October, November, and December. The Hirbawai family's keffiyeh factory in the West Bank has also witnessed a notable increase in demand from pro-Palestinian supporters, with sales jumping by 50 to 70%.
The increased popularity of keffiyehs has resulted in a significant rise in revenue for Palestinian manufacturers, which has brought positive impacts on the Palestinian economy.
Who can wear the Keffiyeh?
"I receive these questions quite often," said Kareem Qaraman, the founder of Rajaeen.com. "People want to support the Palestinian cause, but at the same time, they are worried about offending Palestinians. The Palestinian keffiyeh symbolizes solidarity, and wearing it sends a clear message of support for the Palestinian right to live free and have all the rights that other nations enjoy. Anyone can wear the keffiyeh, and Palestinians appreciate and admire people who support their fair and just cause."
How can I support the Palestinians?
This is an important question. You can support Palestinians in many ways. Here are some suggestions:
- Spread Awareness: Educate yourself and others about the cause, including the history and the current situation. Spreading awareness is critical, especially with the media blackout of Palestinian content and news and the misrepresentation of the truth by the mainstream media.
- Urge Ceasefire: We believe that your voices have the power to influence policies that significantly impact Palestinian lives.
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Donations That Get Through: Consider making donations. Despite the blockage that the Israeli occupation implies on Gaza, some donations still manage to get through. There are many authorized charities, such as the Zakat Foundation, and numerous campaigns on Launchgood. Additionally, the West Bank also needs support due to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
- Support Palestinian Businesses: Support Palestinian businesses and makers. Palestinians, especially small businesses, are struggling, and supporting them can positively impact the lives of many Palestinians.
In conclusion, World Keffiyeh Day is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for Palestinian freedom and justice. By learning about the history and significance of the keffiyeh, advocating for a ceasefire, and supporting Palestinian businesses and makers, we can all play a role in showing solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Let's stand together in support of Palestinian rights and make a meaningful difference by actively supporting Palestinian businesses and makers. Whether it's through purchasing authentic keffiyehs or supporting other Palestinian products, every act of support contributes to the resilience and strength of the Palestinian people. Together, let's make a difference and stand with Palestine.
