New York: Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri has opted not to accept the Isamu Noguchi Award from New York City’s Noguchi Museum following the museum’s decision to terminate three employees for wearing keffiyeh headscarves. The keffiyeh, a traditional Arab headdress, has become a prominent symbol of Palestinian solidarity, particularly amid ongoing conflicts.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the museum acknowledged Lahiri’s decision: “Jhumpa Lahiri has chosen to withdraw her acceptance of the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award in response to our updated dress code policy. We respect her perspective and understand that this policy may or may not align with everyone’s views.”
Lahiri, who won the Pulitzer Prize in 2000 for her acclaimed collection of stories, “Interpreter of Maladies,” was initially set to receive the award for her literary contributions. The news was first reported by The New York Times.
The controversy surrounding the keffiyeh has intensified globally, with protesters advocating for an end to Israel’s military actions in Gaza donning the black-and-white scarf, a potent symbol of Palestinian self-determination. Notably, anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela frequently wore the keffiyeh, underscoring its historical significance.
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Conversely, supporters of Israel argue that the keffiyeh signals support for extremism. Tensions have escalated recently; in November, three Palestinian-descended students were shot in an attack, two of whom were wearing the keffiyeh.
Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza have resulted in significant casualties, with tens of thousands killed and nearly the entire population displaced. These actions were initiated after a deadly attack by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7.
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Last month, the Noguchi Museum, founded by Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, announced a dress code policy prohibiting employees from wearing any items that convey “political messages, slogans, or symbols.” This policy directly led to the dismissal of three staff members.
Similar repercussions have been observed across the United States, where individuals have lost their jobs due to their stances on the Israel-Gaza conflict. For instance, a Palestinian American nurse in New York City was terminated in May after describing Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” during her award acceptance speech. Israel has denied the genocide charges brought against it by South Africa at the World Court.
