Kaffiyha/shemagh

[Tehchad]

How do Israeli citizens see these?

The reason: I'm thinking of getting one for the hikes this season - keep my face and neck warm. I've always liked things like this that have meaning, but I want to make sure I'm not representing something that I don't like (i.e. anti-semitism, etc).

 

[Fremdin]

I'm not an Israeli citizen but I don't like to see them worn as fashion accessories. To me they are a symbol of anti-semitism and violence. I see them as a symbol of supporting Palestinian extremist groups. That's just me, though. But I think you could find something to cover your face and neck that didn't have negative connotations.

 

[Tehchad]

Yeah, I was afraid of that. I know the british military uses them extensively, but I'm doing the "due diligence."

 

[Fremdin]

At least you're checking, most people blindly appropriate symbols from other cultures without thinking. But I wouldn't wear one.

 

[EyesOfKohl]

I have 3 of them lol

I don't see anything wrong with them. Ancient Israelites used to wear headwear similiar to the yashmagh aswell. In fact, there are people in Israel who make their own with the Star of David on them.

I have an Arafat style Black & White, Red & White, and White & Silver.

If you're wanting to avoid offending anyone, stay away from the Yasar Arafat style of Black & White.

Most of the Intidafa wear this style yashmagh.

Red and White is usually worn by elderly or highly respected men.

A distinctive style scarve very similiar is also worn in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

If you need to learn how to wear one, here's a video of one of the many styles.

YouTube - how to tie the arabic scarf, shemag, ghotra or hamdaneya, the UAE bedouin style.

When you're buying one, be careful of the cheap knock-offs, make sure it's made from 100% cotton or wool blend, because polyester is horrible and check the thickness of the material aswell.

If you need any help on where to buy one, just PM me

 

[Tehchad]

Okay so it's the colors that have significance?

The one I had lined up was dark green (olive drab) with black lines/design. Are those colors neutral? (haha, I feel like I'm worrying about being in south/central LA in the wrong colors, bloods, crips)

 

[EyesOfKohl]

Okay so it's the colors that have significance?

The one I had lined up was dark green (olive drab) with black lines/design. Are those colors neutral? (haha, I feel like I'm worrying about being in south/central LA in the wrong colors, bloods, crips)

Yes, they do. You can usually tell the area the person is from by the colors, design and how they wear them.

I wouldn't worry about those colors lol, go ahead and wear what you want

Ha' I hate it when gangs or other groups take colors to identify themselves...

 

[Tehchad]

I still have a hesitation. All of my pastors have been to the area and have a better view than I. I'll harass them as well.

Anyone else have input?
Thanks Zatara and Fremdin!