In the aftermath of the Six-Day War in 1967–when Israel annexed East Jerusalem and seized control of the West Bank and Gaza–that the Palestinians faced a particularly audacious attempt at cultural suppression. It was during this time that the Israeli military forbade the right of assembly and publication of political matters or what could be interpreted as political, including the bearing of national symbols.
In response to this affront to their identity, Palestinians turned to a seemingly mundane and humble symbol of resistance—the watermelon. The fruit’s colors, echoing those of the Palestinian flag, served as a creative and absurdly fitting form of protest against censorship – an act of defiance that persists even in the digital age.
In response to this affront to their identity, Palestinians turned to a seemingly mundane and humble symbol of resistance—the watermelon. The fruit’s colors, echoing those of the Palestinian flag, served as a creative and absurdly fitting form of protest against censorship – an act of defiance that persists even in the digital age.