New York City’s Noguchi Museum said on Wednesday 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.
Natalie Cappellini, one of the three gallery attendants who was fired, took to Instagram to say the museum leadership was weaponizing the term “political” against the Palestinian cause.
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.
Persons:
City’s Noguchi, Israel’s, —, Isamu Noguchi —, Natalie Cappellini, Instagram, Yasser Arafat, Israel
Organizations:
Palestinian, Reuters
Locations:
Gaza, Palestinian, Japanese American, Vermont, United States, Israel, York City, Palestinian American, South Africa