Years and years ago, a friend gifted me a kufiya* that’s kept my neck warm every winter since. (Hello, Rebecca!) *I’m using this spelling because that’s the spelling used in the info below.

Mine is the traditional black and white, but they’re made in other colors. This brief video shows a kufiya being made at Hirbawi, the last kufiya factory in Palestine.

And here’s a video explaining the cultural significance of the kufiya.

I have no way of knowing whether my kufiya is authentic or a knock-off (good chance it’s inauthentic) and would love to support Hirbawi by ordering another. They’re sold out at this time but I gave my email address so that I’ll receive notification when kufiyas are in stock again. Here’s the HirbawiUSA online store where you can see the variety of kufiyas (also sold out). And in case you’re wondering if it’s cultural appropriation to wear a kufiya if not Palestinian, read HERE. (Spoiler alert: as long as the kufiya is worn respectfully, it’s considered a sign of solidarity.)

If you’re interested in learning more, Hirbawi has posted many other videos HERE.

On another note, per Marjorie Cohn at TRUTHOUT, Palestinians File Emergency Motion to Block U.S. Aid for Israel’s Genocide in Gaza (The federal lawsuit accuses Biden, Blinken and Austin of failure to prevent genocide and complicity in genocide.)

These are hard, hard days. Please take good care.