About 1MK
Support Palestine with Purpose: Buy Kufiyas, Build Homes, Make an Impact
Welcome to One Million Kufiya, an initiative of Tantura Kufiya LTD, registered in UK under number 15931828. One Million Kufiya is a socially responsible entrepreneurial business project—not a charity.
Our mission is to create meaningful impact through ethical consumerism. By operating our online shop, we aim to accumulate profit to develop and sustain the growth of the One Million Kufiya Project. When feasible, a portion of these profits will be saved for our future initiative: building or purchasing portable homes or shelters for families in Gaza.
To learn more about the portable homes project and our savings (not donations) policy, please visit the Our Impact page.
This initiative was founded from a deep awareness that, as the global demand for the Kufiya -a powerful symbol of the identity and resistance- has grown, much of this demand is being supplied by multinational corporations and platforms disconnected from the cause. Even more concerning is the fact that some of these entities indirectly or directly support the very oppression and occupation that Palestinians face.
This Project offers you a meaningful way to stand with our cause through responsible and impactful actions. By purchasing our authentic Palestinian and Jordanian Kufiyas, you’re not just expressing solidarity. You’re building a direct link between you and the cause.
At the core of our project is the belief in the power of responsible consumerism. We strive to empower individuals with knowledge about where their money goes and the impact of their purchasing decisions. By choosing to buy a Kufiya from One Million Kufiya, (or any other responsible Kufiya provider) you are not only supporting a product deeply rooted in Palestinian culture but also standing in solidarity with a movement that advocates for justice, equality, and dignity for all.
Our mission goes beyond mere symbolism. We aim to create a sustainable business model that not only supports the Palestinian cause but also ensures that every step we take is impactful and responsible. The gradual growth of our savings for the portable homes project reflects our commitment to scaling our impact as our community of supporters grows.
Join us in making a difference. Purchase a Kufiya today and become part of our journey toward solidarity, compassion, and positive change.
One Million Kufiya
Mission
Vision
History of One Million Kufiya: A Journey of Resilience and Vision
The Beginning: An Idea Takes Root (November 2023)
The idea for One Million Kufiya was born in mid-November 2023 out of a deep desire to reclaim the narrative of the kufiya as a symbol of resistance, heritage, and solidarity. Understanding the global demand for kufiyas and the disconnect between many suppliers and the Palestinian cause, founder Ala Hilu envisioned a project that would not only preserve this cultural symbol but also empower communities and make a tangible impact.
Launch and Early Challenges (March 2024)
In March 2024, the One Million Kufiya Project’s website officially launched with an ambitious goal: to reinvest all profits from the sale of 5,000 kufiyas before beginning to save for the portable homes project. However, by August 2024, with less than 500 kufiyas sold, it became clear that revenue was primarily covering the running costs of the project. This realization prompted a strategic review to align the project’s operations with its mission more effectively.
Adapting to Circumstances (August 2024)
Faced with financial challenges, bold adjustments had to be taken, including transitioning to a home-based operation to eliminate office rent and taking on all responsibilities by myself, Ala Hilu. Despite this effort, the project still struggled to cover running costs due to low sales volumes. Undeterred, I remained committed to the project’s message and mission, refining the strategy further to balance operational sustainability with the goal of saving for the portable homes project.
A Turning Point: Strength Through Support (October 2024)
In October 2024, a major breakthrough occurred. Friends who shared the project’s vision provided support and funding to register The Kufiya Thread FZ-LLC in the UAE, marking a significant milestone. This development brought renewed confidence and clarity, enabling the development of a more sustainable model for the project. With this boost, the focus shifted to building a scalable operation that could grow gradually while supporting the portable homes initiative.
The Current Stage: Building Sustainability
The revised strategy adopts a goal-driven approach that adjusts dynamically based on the scale of operations and additional monthly expenses. Currently, with the project’s existing operational requirements, profits from the sale of a basic 150 kufiyas per month are sufficient to cover initial costs and running expenses.
Once this target is consistently met, net profits from additional sales will be split between two savings streams:
- Development of the One Million Kufiya Project: To support growth, such as expanding operations, marketing, and scaling the initiative.
- Portable Homes Project: Allocating funds for building or purchasing shelters for families in Gaza.
As sales grow, the percentage allocated to the portable homes project will gradually increase, encouraging customers to contribute more significantly through their purchases. This sustainable model ensures the project’s gradual development while empowering customers to make a tangible impact.
Today, One Million Kufiya project stands stronger than ever, committed to building a model of sustainability and impact. To learn more about how every purchase contributes to this journey, visit our Impact Page.
Ala Hilu
Founder: Empowering Palestinian Culture Through Social Entrepreneurship
I am Ala Hilu, a dedicated social entrepreneur and activist from Bethlehem, Palestine. With a BA in Social Science and Media, I have devoted my career to working with NGOs and being active in social and environmental causes. In 2013, I launched Resign for Recycling Design, a creative upcycling initiative that expressed my passion for sustainability. In 2019, I co-founded The Citadel, a social and educational hub in Beit Sahour, Palestine, furnished with upcycled products, embodying my belief in transforming what might be considered waste into something meaningful.
The One Million Kufiya project is born out of my deep love for my Palestinian culture and a steadfast commitment to supporting my people and those in solidarity with us. My dedication to entrepreneurship as a force for positive change allows me to harness my skills and all my energy to build a sustainable initiative that not only supports the Palestinian people but also amplifies our cultural identity globally. The Kufiya -whether the traditional Palestinian black-and-white scarf or the Jordanian red-and-white scarf- is more than just a product; it is a symbol of our history, identity, and struggle for justice. By selling authentic Kufiyas made by Palestinian hands and Jordanian artisans, I aim to create a meaningful impact that honours our heritage, helps to those in need, and fosters global solidarity. My entrepreneurial journey is deeply intertwined with this mission, as I strive to build a project that is both socially responsible and economically empowering.
This project is also a deeply personal journey for me. As the founder of One Million Kufiya project, I see it as more than just a business; it is a challenge to build a socially responsible business model that evolves based on trust between the customer and the seller. My goal is to empower individuals to understand the true power of their purchasing decisions and the profound difference they can make when they choose where to spend their money thoughtfully.
Beyond achieving financial stability as a business manager, this initiative is a living educational experience. It offers me the opportunity to learn how to manage and grow socially driven businesses in real time. Through this journey, I aim to refine a model that bridges economic empowerment and cultural preservation, potentially sharing these insights with others as a blueprint for meaningful impact. Perhaps, one day, this journey could culminate in something even larger; like pursuing a PhD to formally present these findings to the world.
