The keffiyeh: A symbol is being stolen in plain sight
The keffiyeh, once a traditional Arab headdress, has become a politically charged symbol, particularly after its association with Hamas and other militant groups following the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel. For many Jews, the keffiyeh now evokes violence and antisemitism, similar to how the swastika's meaning was transformed by Nazi use. The article argues that symbols must be understood by their contemporary usage, not just their origins, and criticizes media and society for failing to acknowledge this shift.
- ▪The keffiyeh was historically a practical garment worn across the Arab world without political meaning.
- ▪Yasser Arafat adopted the black-and-white keffiyeh as a symbol of Palestinian nationalism, shaping it to represent 'historic Palestine'.
- ▪Hamas terrorists wore keffiyehs during the October 7, 2023 attacks that killed 1,200 Israelis and involved kidnappings and sexual violence.
- ▪Groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad now commonly wear the keffiyeh, linking it to violent ideologies.
- ▪The swastika, once a symbol of good fortune, was redefined by Nazi use, illustrating how symbols can be transformed through association with violence.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
In November, the town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, unveiled a “Good Trouble” banner honoring the late congressman John Lewis. It depicted a graduate wearing a keffiyeh. The banner came down within a day, after Jewish residents objected. The sharper question is why no one thought to ask them first. The keffiyeh is now everywhere, on campuses, at protests, and in media and politics, packaged as neutral, even celebratory. For many Jews, it is anything but. Recommended Stories Australia’s tech shakedown targets American innovation The public is done with animal testing. So why isn’t the government? Changing the narrative on suicide prevention, one friend at a time I walk through Washington and New York and see it on subways, in cafés, and at rallies. My reaction is immediate, visceral.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Washington Examiner.
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