New York City Museum Dismisses Three Employees for Wearing Keffiyehs

By Kanishka Singh

New York City’s Noguchi Museum announced on Wednesday that it has dismissed three employees for violating its updated dress code, which prohibits wearing keffiyeh head scarves. These scarves have become symbols of solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Significance of the Situation

During global protests calling for an end to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, many demonstrators have donned the black-and-white keffiyeh, linking it to Palestinian self-determination. Conversely, supporters of Israel perceive this as provocative and as an endorsement of extremism.

The ongoing military operations by Israel in Gaza have resulted in numerous casualties and a humanitarian crisis, following a deadly assault by Palestinian Hamas militants on October 7.

Key Statements

Last month, the museum, created by Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, instituted a policy banning attire that conveys "political messages, slogans or symbols." The museum explained that while it understands the intention behind wearing the keffiyeh was to express personal views, such displays can inadvertently alienate parts of its diverse audience.

One of the dismissed employees, Natalie Cappellini, took to social media, claiming that museum leadership was misusing the term "political" to target the expression of support for the Palestinian cause. Efforts to contact the other two terminated employees were unsuccessful.

Contextual Background

The keffiyeh has long represented Palestinian nationalism, famously associated with the late PLO leader Yasser Arafat, who often wore it.

Recently, three students of Palestinian descent in Vermont were injured in a shooting incident currently under investigation; two of the students were wearing keffiyehs at the time.

There have been other instances in the United States where individuals have faced job loss due to their public stances regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. For example, a Palestinian American nurse in New York City was terminated in May after referring to Israel’s actions in Gaza as "genocide" during an acceptance speech for an award.