New York City museum fires three employees for wearing keffiyehs
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In August, the art museum announced a policy prohibiting employees from wearing anything that expressed “political messages, slogans or symbols”.
PHOTO: NOGUCHIMUSUEM/INSTAGRAM
NEW YORK - The Noguchi Museum in New York City said on Sept 11 it fired three employees after they violated its updated dress code by wearing keffiyeh head scarves, which have become an emblem of solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Across the world, in protests demanding an end to Israel’s war in Gaza, demonstrators have worn the black-and-white keffiyeh head scarf, saying it identifies with Palestinian self-determination. Israel’s supporters say it is provocative and a sign of backing extremism.
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In August, the art museum – founded by Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi – announced a policy prohibiting employees from wearing anything that expressed “political messages, slogans or symbols”.
“While we understand that the intention behind wearing this garment was to express personal views, we recognise that such expressions can unintentionally alienate segments of our diverse visitorship,,” it said in a statement.
Ms Natalie Cappellini, one of the three gallery attendants who was fired, took to Instagram to say the museum leadership was weaponising the term “political” against the Palestinian cause.
Reuters was unable to reach the other two fired employees.
The keffiyeh has long been a symbol of Palestinian nationalism, exemplified by the late Palestine Liberation Organisation leader Yasser Arafat, who was rarely photographed without one.
In November 2023, three students of Palestinian descent in Vermont were shot in an attack
There are previous instances in the United States of people losing jobs due to their stance on the Israel-Gaza war.
A New York City hospital fired a Palestinian American nurse in May after she called Israel’s actions in Gaza a “genocide” during an acceptance speech for an award. Israel denies genocide charges brought by South Africa at the World Court. REUTERS
