Rising Demand for Palestinian Keffiyehs in the US Despite Targeting of Wearers : Analysis

Sales of the keffiyeh, a scarf closely associated with Palestinians, have increased in the United States as a way for Americans to show support for Palestinians and demand a ceasefire in Israel’s attacks on Gaza. The surge in sales has occurred despite reports of some protesters being targeted for wearing the scarf and instances of security forces forcibly removing it. The US distributor for Hirbawi, the only manufacturer of keffiyehs in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, reported a sudden spike in demand, resulting in sold-out stock. Data from e-commerce analytics firm Jungle Scout showed a 75% increase in unit sales of keffiyeh scarves on Amazon.com during the Israel-Hamas war compared to the previous period. Search trends also revealed a significant rise in searches related to Palestinian scarves and keffiyehs. The keffiyeh has historical significance, symbolizing Palestinian resistance and becoming synonymous with former Palestine Liberation Organization leader Yasser Arafat. While Hirbawi is the most well-known manufacturer, other small artisans and luxury brands have produced their own versions of the scarf. The wearing of the keffiyeh has also led to incidents of verbal and physical abuse, with the Council on American-Islamic Relations documenting multiple instances of individuals targeted for wearing the scarf. The most severe incident involved three college students of Palestinian descent being shot and injured in Vermont. The suspect in the shooting has been charged with attempted murder, and authorities are investigating if the incident was a hate crime. Supporters of the Palestinians and Israel in the US have faced threats and attacks since the beginning of the conflict, with Jewish Americans experiencing an increase in anti-Semitism and Muslim Americans facing a rise in Islamophobia. Students for Justice in Palestine, a group at the forefront of campus activism, has been urging students to wear the keffiyeh as a show of solidarity. However, some members of the group have refrained from wearing the scarf outside of Arab and Muslim-friendly spaces due to safety concerns. Despite any potential risks, the demand for the keffiyeh remains high, with sellers experiencing strong sales.

Source: Aljazeera news: US sales of Palestinian keffiyehs soar, even as wearers targeted