By: Khaled Tayeh
WORLD, August 18, 2026 (WAFA) — From concert stages in Europe and the United States to one of the world's most watched music competitions, the Palestinian keffiyeh has increasingly appeared on artists, celebrities and public figures, wrapped around their wrists, draped over their shoulders or raised before cheering crowds, carrying a story of identity, heritage, resilience and a clear message of solidarity.
For Palestinians around the world, the black-and-white scarf is far more than an item of clothing. It is an enduring symbol of Palestinian identity and cultural heritage. For international and Arab artists, wearing or holding it has also become a visible expression of solidarity with Palestinians, a message that their voices are heard, their culture is seen and their suffering is not forgotten.
Lebanese singer Elissa, who has repeatedly voiced solidarity with Palestine, offered one of the most striking examples. During a concert in Malmö, Sweden, in August 2024, an audience member threw a Palestinian keffiyeh onto the stage. Elissa picked it up, raised it and wrapped it around herself as the crowd applauded. The concert drew around 30,000 people, many from Arab communities in Sweden and neighboring countries. In August 2026, during a performance in Tunisia, Elissa again caught a Palestinian keffiyeh thrown by a fan, briefly holding it before respectfully returning it to the audience.
Meanwhile, American rapper Macklemore has raised the keffiyeh during his concerts, including in Arizona, while Swedish-Palestinian singer Eric Saade wore one around his wrist during his Eurovision performance in Malmö in 2024.
Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna wore the keffiyeh during her U.S. television debut, while Welsh singer Charlotte Church appeared wearing one during her performance at Glastonbury.
Grammy-winning musician Esperanza Spalding also wore a traditional Palestinian keffiyeh on the red carpet at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
The symbol has extended beyond music. Palestinian-American model Bella Hadid wore a vintage dress made from Palestinian keffiyeh fabric at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, linking fashion with her Palestinian heritage.
At the 2025 Together for Palestine concert in London, artists including Paloma Faith, Annie Lennox, Rina Sawayama, Rachel Chinouriri and Cat Burns, as well as former football star Eric Cantona, appeared in or wore keffiyeh-related clothing.
Across these stages and appearances, the keffiyeh has become a powerful visual reminder that Palestinian culture endures, transcends borders and continues to be seen and heard around the world.
K.T
