Watermelon as a Palestinian symbol. What does watermelon symbolize?

Fruits are no longer merely an important aspect of diet but are also important in the present times in the geopolitical realm. For instance, while watermelons is a top favorite for many in the world, it has also become an interesting choice for those who want to talk about Palestinian solidarity.

Yes, as Israel continues with its assault on Gaza, the world chose "watermelon" as a symbol to demonstrate solidarity with Palestinians. This symbolism has been there as a symbol of protest for long.

Here we dissect the watermelon, not as a delicious treat, but as a symbol of protest in the war between Israel and Palestine.

Why not other fruits?

Cut a watermelon in half, and you may find all the colors present in the Palestinian flag in the slice. The colors are red, white, green, and black. Now, it is important to note that Israeli authorities often bar the display of the Palestinian flag. Therefore, a watermelon is treated as a symbol to showcase Palestinian solidarity.

Additionally, watermelon is hugely grown in Palestine. It is an important part of the Palestinian cuisine, and thus, using watermelon symbols to showcase Palestinian solidarity seems to be a fit choice.

Watermelon becoming a symbol- The History

In the year 1967, just after the Arab-Israeli war, the Palestinian flag's public display was legally prohibited. This meant that any person carrying or displaying the Palestinian flag, or even its colors, could actually get arrested. However, much to the relief of Palestinian supporters, the ban got lifted in the Oslo Accords in 1993. 

Now, the National Security Minister of Israel, Itamar Ben-Gvir, intended to bring old times back by barring the display of Palestinian flags in public places.

Interestingly, the most accurate history of a fruit becoming a symbol for Palestine is not known much, however, the credit often goes to Sliman Monsour, a much appreciated Palestinian artist. Most of his initial works centered around showing the Palestinian culture. He used to paint olive grove landscapes. Some of his works also contained landscapes off Palestinian communities working in farms. However, his artworks were devoid of any political influence. The artist expressed that the idea struck when an Israeli soldier visited his gallery to censor it in the 1980s. The Palestinian artist was told by the soldier that he isn't permitted to paint in red, black, green, and white as these are the hues present in the Palestinian flag.

It was at this time when another artist named Isam Bader, who was present in the gallery, asked the soldier what would happen in case he drew a flower using these colors? On this, the Israeli official stated that in such a case, they will be confiscating if. The Israeli soldier further said that even if the painters paint a watermelon, the piece of art will get confiscated.

As per Mansour, this ban on using certain shades contributed to further resistance. A ban like this resulted in a huge sensation among painters and artists. Mansour and artists alike received support from artists all across the globe. Support also came from some Israeli artists.

As suggested above, Mansour's artwork usually centered around the Palestinian culture, and this angered the Israelis. Just an year following the Israeli soldier's visit incident, the artist was randomly detained. It was then that the Palestinian artist began drawing watermelons post that.

This kickstartd a sensation, where activists and artists began making use of watermelons as a symbol of resistance. As a symbol of protest, Palestinians began carrying watermelon slices.

Watermelon symbol at Cannes

What comes as an interesting incidence is the one where Actor Kani Kusruti was seen posing at the Cannes Film Festival with a watermelon clutch. This seems to be a strong symbol that the actress chose to display at the stunning red carpet.

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