The famous “Falastini” and “Falastiniyeh” (translating to “Palestinian”) T-shirts we see many people of all ages wearing were not an idea that originated from a typical commercial mind-set, but rather from a group of very creative and innovative youth. Starting in Haifa, a group of Palestinians initiated a campaign to encourage the youth to take pride in their Palestinian and Arab roots and to express their daily concerns and issues in Arabic. This campaign was followed by Blouzti Falastiniyeh (translating to my T-shirt is Palestinian), which started working in 2011.
The idea behind it was simple; many brands have used their consumers as free advertising tools by putting their brands on their shirts and therefore making a statement and making more money. Blouzti Falastiniyeh adapted this type of branding to serve the Palestinian cause and introduce Palestinian issues through apparel. Many shops followed suit and now the “Falastini” T-shirt is all over Palestine and can even be found worldwide.
However, it is also worth highlighting social and environmental responsibility of Blouzti Falastiniyeh in producing their clothing lines. What differentiates them from many commercial clothing lines is that they are committed to using 100% local Palestinian materials and Palestinian manufacturers from the textile company to the factory producing the tags to the producer of cardboard boxes they use for packaging. The textile factories they work with are all Palestinian and women’s cooperatives are in charge of sewing and manufacturing.
Another reason to choose their products is the social element of their business: the profits they make go to support local charity organizations that do not receive international aid. In addition to this, university students are supported by providing them with the T-shirts to sell and cover their tuition fees by their sale.
Blouzti Falastiniyeh aims to spread awareness about Palestine through their products and that is why they have an online shop to reach Palestinians all over the world. Check their Facebook page for updates and the locations in Palestine where you can find their products.