GlobalWide News
The Washington Post: The watermelon has emerged as a significant symbol in the Palestinian cause, especially notable during the Israel-Gaza conflict. It serves a dual purpose: as a stand-in for the Palestinian flag and as a symbol of resistance. The fruit’s red, white, black, and green colors mirror those of the Palestinian flag. This symbolic use has practical roots too, as displaying the Palestinian flag is often restricted or banned in certain contexts. The watermelon, thus, becomes a creative and subtle way of representing Palestinian identity and resistance.
Dina Matar, a professor at SOAS University of London, highlights that the watermelon symbolizes the Palestinians’ connection to their land and its produce. Palestinian artist Khaled Hourani also uses the watermelon in his art, reflecting its political significance. The use of the watermelon extends to social media, where emojis of the fruit are used as a form of digital activism, especially given that pro-Palestinian content has faced suppression on platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
In Israel, the Palestinian flag’s display is effectively prohibited, leading to alternative forms of protest, such as using watermelon imagery. This method has been used in various campaigns, including on taxi posters, to protest the arrest of individuals displaying the Palestinian flag.
The watermelon’s symbolic significance extends beyond the Middle East. In Europe, debates around the Palestinian flag’s display have intensified, underscoring the watermelon’s role as a peaceful yet potent symbol of Palestinian identity and the broader struggle for recognition and rights.
The entire article can be read at the link https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/11/16/watermelon-emoji-palestine-meaning-symbol/
