WASHINGTON: Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri has decided not to accept the Isamu Noguchi Award from the Noguchi Museum in New York City, following the museum's decision to dismiss three employees for wearing keffiyeh headscarves, which symbolize solidarity with Palestinians, due to a newly implemented dress code.

The museum issued a statement on September 25, confirming that "Jhumpa Lahiri has chosen to withdraw her acceptance of the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award in response to our updated dress code policy." They added that they respect her viewpoint and recognize that the policy may not resonate with everyone.

Lahiri was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 2000 for her book *Interpreter of Maladies*. The New York Times they were first reported on this incident.

Worldwide protests advocating for an end to Israel's actions in Gaza have featured demonstrators donning the black-and-white keffiyeh, a symbol of Palestinian self-determination. The scarf has also been worn by prominent figures like Nelson Mandela in the past. However, supporters of Israel argue that it represents support for extremism.

The issue has gained heightened attention following a shooting incident in Vermont in November, where three students of Palestinian descent were targeted, two of whom were wearing keffiyeh.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties in Gaza, with the death toll reaching tens of thousands and widespread displacement, following an attack by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7.

In a controversial move, last month, the museum—established by sculptor Isamu Noguchi—announced a new policy banning employees from wearing items that convey "political messages, slogans, or symbols," leading to the termination of three staff members.

The repercussions of the Israel-Gaza conflict have affected other individuals in the U.S. as well; for example, a Palestinian American nurse was fired from a New York City hospital in May after she labeled Israel's actions in Gaza as "genocide" during her award acceptance speech. Israel has denied the genocide allegations made by South Africa at the World Court.