How a symbol of solidarity with Palestinians spread around the planet

ABC News: Watermelons have emblazoned banners, T-shirts, balloons and social media over the past three months in global protests against the Israel-Hamas war. This symbolism emerged in recent global protests against the Israel-Hamas war, with the fruit’s colors—red pulp, green-white rind, black seeds—mirroring those of the Palestinian flag. The trend began after Israel’s crackdown on Palestinian flag displays in Gaza and the West Bank post-1967 Mideast war, leading to creative forms of protest like using watermelons.

This act of defiance has historical roots dating back to 1980 in Ramallah, where Israeli military authorities banned an art gallery for showcasing works in Palestinian flag colors. An Israeli officer specifically cited watermelons as a prohibited form of expression. This led to people publicly displaying watermelons as a form of protest. Over time, particularly with the recent ban on Palestinian flags by Israel’s National Security Minister, activists have revived this symbol. In Tel Aviv, for instance, watermelon stickers were used to bypass the flag ban.

It also touched upon the broader context of internet censorship and the use of emojis as tools of political dissent. The watermelon emoji, for example, has been used to circumvent algorithmic suppression on social media platforms. This reflects a wider trend of using digital and artistic expressions to evade censorship and promote political messages.

Furthermore, it is highlighted the multicultural and diverse nature of this symbol, with activists from various backgrounds embracing the watermelon motif. It has been used in various forms, from art in protests to digital platforms, uniting people across different cultures in support of Palestinian rights. This symbol transcends language and cultural barriers, offering a powerful means of expression against oppression and censorship.

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