Jhumpa Lahiri declines award from New York’s Noguchi Museum over new policy banning keffiyehs

The policy, which does not apply to visitors, came into effect several months after some staff members began wearing kaffiyehs, for what one fired employee termed “cultural reasons.”

Last month, upon the institution of the new dress code, a group of employees had even staged a walkout deeming the policy “distinctly anti-Palestinian”. As per ARTnews, all gallery attendants and shop associates has participated walk out, while outside security staff temporarily assumed their duties.

Across the world, protesters demanding an end to Israel’s war in Gaza have worn the black-and-white head scarf to signal their support for the victims in Gaza. Israel’s supporters, meanwhile, say the scarf symbolises backing “extremism”.

Israel’s assault on Gaza has killed tens of thousands and displaced nearly everyone in the besieged enclave.