05/22/2026
✨Kuffiyeh History and Meeting Reflection
Historically, the “kuffiyeh” originated in modern-day Iraq. It was named after the ancient Iraqi city called “Kufa”. The kuffiyeh was worn by Sumerian priests initially, and was later adopted by bedouins, farmers, fishermen and other commoners of the region. As cultural exchange grew, many varieties of the pattern emerged. For example, the red-and-white pattern became popular among the Southern Arab Peninsula and the black-and-white one, in Palestine.
The kuffiyeh pattern is significant. It depicts a fishnet, which represents the Palestinian sailors and their connection to the Mediterranean Sea. The thick lines represent agricultural trade routes, an affinity to merchants and cultural exchange. Finally, the leafy pattern represents olive trees which are native to the land, and a large part of Palestine’s culture and economy.
During the British Mandate of Palestine, in an attempt to erase Palestine: its culture, language and people, the kuffiyeh was banned and anyone caught wearing it was brutally thrown in jail.
Today, kuffiyeh is worn to reclaim Palestinian heritage and what was once wrongfully taken. The kuffiyeh represents solidarity, resilience and unity for the cause of Palestine
Last Wednesday’s meeting was a rollercoaster of emotions. The best way I could describe it is a loss of innocence and a stab at any hope I had left in humanity. After explaining the true history and significance of the kuffiyeh to Councilor Dan McLean, I spoke to him directly. Not as an elected official, but as a human being. After this meeting, Councillor McLean is well-informed, yet he has failed to recognize his mistakes with conviction, show strong remorse or offer a sincere apology.
I extended my arm to him and asked him to join us as one unified front, showing that we were not there to blame or attack, but rather to come together. I felt as though I became vulnerable and hoped my words would impact him in some way. To my surprise, I was met with closed-heartedness and wounds that were cut deeper than before. He appeared to view this meeting as something to check off of the to-do list, rather than to even try to understand and really listen to our concerns. I felt, once again, unheard. As though I wasted my time and ran my voice dry to end up having Councilor McLean walk out on me without any sliver of remorse.
Written by Tuka Ali
