NEW YORK: Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri has declined the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award, citing her opposition to the New York museum’s decision to terminate three employees for wearing keffiyehs, a symbol of Palestinian solidarity.
The Noguchi Museum, named after Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, introduced a new policy in August, banning staff from wearing attire or accessories that display “political messages, slogans, or symbols” while on duty. This decision led to the dismissal of three employees, sparking controversy.
In response to the policy, Lahiri withdrew from the award ceremony, scheduled for next month. The museum acknowledged her decision: “We respect her perspective and understand that this policy may or may not align with everyone’s views.”
Museum director Amy Hau emphasized the policy’s intention to “avoid alienating our diverse visitorship” while maintaining focus on Noguchi’s art and legacy.
The keffiyeh, widely recognized as an emblem of Palestinian self-determination, has been worn by demonstrators worldwide, including during protests against Israel’s war on Gaza. Its symbolic significance dates back decades, with notable figures like South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela having donned the scarf in solidarity.
