Staff Reports
The presence of watermelons at pro-Palestinian rallies might seem strange, but to those in the know, it makes perfect sense. Especially considering the historical context of the region and the struggle of the Palestinian people. Gaza, a region now controlled by the terrorist organization Hamas, has a long and complex history that is deeply intertwined with Palestinian nationalism.
So, That's Why All Those Pro-Hamas Signs Have Watermelons on Them https://t.co/eRhYE02s5Y
— Diane Lange (@DclareDiane) November 17, 2023
The use of watermelons as a symbol of Palestinian identity dates back to the aftermath of the Six-Day War in 1967, when Israel tripled in size after defeating Jordan, Syria, and Egypt. As a result, visible displays of the Palestinian flag were banned in Gaza and the West Bank. In response, Palestinians turned to using watermelons as a creative workaround to symbolize their national identity. When cut open, the colors of the fruit represented the Palestinian flag, with its signature red, black, white, and green.
The Israeli government not only cracked down on the flag itself but also on any artwork or imagery that featured the Palestinian national colors. Artists were forbidden from painting the flag, its colors, or even using the colors in their artwork. The ban was so extreme that artists were told that even painting a flower with the national colors would result in confiscation. This oppressive environment led to the resurgence of using watermelons as a symbolic representation of Palestinian identity.
In recent years, the use of watermelons as a symbol has seen a resurgence, particularly in response to Israeli government actions. The decision to evict Palestinian families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem and the subsequent arrests and confiscation of Palestinian flags further fueled the use of watermelons as a form of protest and solidarity.
The Israeli government’s ongoing efforts to crack down on the display of Palestinian flags has only fueled the use of watermelons as a symbol of resistance. The most recent example of this was in January when Israel’s National Security Minister gave police the power to confiscate Palestinian flags and the subsequent proposal to ban the display of the flag at state-funded institutions, which included universities. As a result, a campaign was launched to protest against the arrests and confiscation of flags, with images of watermelons being plastered onto taxis in Tel Aviv with text reading, “This is not a Palestinian flag.”
So, there you have it. The use of watermelons at pro-Palestinian demonstrations is not just a random occurrence. It’s a powerful and symbolic testament to the resilience and determination of the Palestinian people in the face of oppression and attempts to silence their national identity.
