The keffiyeh is not a political symbol

THE traditional black and white scarf known as the keffiyeh is a symbol of Palestinian identity and is not a “political symbol”.

The key, olive trees, watermelon, the Palestinian flag, and keffiyeh are not terror symbols, nor do they represent any terrorist group.

The colours black, white, red, and green are used to preserve Palestinian civilisation and for the newer generations of Palestinians to remember where their families come from and to never forget their villages.

Between 1947 and 1949, the Zionist military destroyed hundreds of Palestinian villages and more than 700000 Palestinians were expelled or had to flee from their homes due to the establishment of apartheid Israel.

Some Western and European countries are trying their best to suppress Palestinian colours and destroy Palestinian culture, traditions and even cuisines.

Hence, the keffiyeh and other symbols have become representations of Palestine as a means to find a way around attempts to ban Palestinian colours or the flag.

Mocking or stirring up dislike against symbols of Palestinian identity is disingenuous. The voices and outrage should be against the current genocide that is unfolding in Gaza, the mass murder of thousands of innocent children, women and men and the bombing of hospitals, schools, refugee camps and homes in Gaza.

Every single activity (no matter how small) towards the attainment of social justice, human dignity and human rights is rewarding.