Jimmy’s Falafel accused of discrimination over koufiyyeh ban in Sydney
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A Sydney restaurant is facing a human rights complaint after several individuals wearing koufiyyehs were temporarily denied entry.
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People march on the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday, August 3, 2025 (AFP/Getty Images)
A group complaint is set to be filed with the Australian Human Rights Commission after several individuals wearing Palestinian koufiyyehs were temporarily denied dine-in service at Jimmy’s Falafel, a Merivale-owned restaurant in central Sydney. The Racial Justice Centre is lodging the complaint on behalf of six Palestinian complainants, citing a violation of Australia’s anti-discrimination laws.
The incident occurred on August 3, shortly after the conclusion of a pro-Palestine protest march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The march drew thousands of demonstrators advocating for Palestine.
According to multiple eyewitness accounts, restaurant staff and security personnel informed individuals wearing koufiyyehs, a traditional Middle Eastern scarf and a symbol of solidarity with Palestine, that they needed to have their scarves removed to be served inside the venue.
A protester, who requested to go by Amir, said to The Guardian Australia that he and his friend Hasan were told by a security guard that koufiyyehs were not allowed inside and must be removed to enter.
“We were quite shocked that this is happening to us, right in the center of Sydney,” Amir said. The pair left the venue peacefully after the encounter.
Others also reported similar treatment, with some being turned away at the entrance, while others removed their scarves before entering or ordered takeaway.
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Merivale's response and justification
In a written statement, Merivale said that Jimmy’s Falafel had welcomed many patrons wearing koufiyyehs and hijabs throughout the day. However, between 3:55 pm and 4:15 pm, staff were instructed to ask patrons to remove political symbols, including flags and placards.
Merivale emphasized that the decision was not based on religion or political views but was a temporary safety measure. CCTV footage from that time reportedly shows mixed responses, with some people removing their scarves and others being turned away.
Sharfah Mohamed, a lawyer at the Racial Justice Centre, argued that the policy effectively targeted an ethnic group and breached Australia’s federal Racial Discrimination Act. “There is nothing neutral about banning the cultural garment of a specific racial or ethnic group,” Mohamed said.
Hasan, a Lebanese man who was turned away because of wearing a koufiyyeh, said the experience was humiliating and deeply personal. “We just wanted to become one with the Palestinian people and show solidarity with them,” he said.
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Cultural significance of the koufiyyeh
The koufiyyeh holds deep cultural and political significance for Palestinians and others across the Arab world. Seen widely at rallies and demonstrations, it represents resistance, identity, and solidarity.
One man, turned away while wearing a Jordanian koufiyyeh, said he felt stunned by the treatment. “We were told by the security guard that we wouldn’t be allowed in because we were wearing scarves. We were in shock.”
The complaint being brought to the Australian Human Rights Commission will test how national anti-discrimination laws apply in public venues amid heightened political climates. The outcome may influence how private businesses respond to demonstrations and how cultural attire is treated in public spaces across Australia.
