The Watermelon has evolved into a powerful symbol of Palestinian resistance, starting as physical displays in response to oppressive measures to its digital adoption as an emoji, ingeniously bypassing online censorship efforts. This transformation highlights the adaptability of symbolic communication in the face of restrictions on expression, allowing solidarity and national identity to persist and spread.
The watermelon became a symbol of Palestine, and its flag, when other expressions were prohibited by Israeli authorities [X/@zazim_org_il]
The fruit's significance is rooted in its connection to the colors of the Palestinian flag and its resilient nature, making it a powerful emblem in challenging times.
'Watermelon flag' – A 2007 painting by Khaled Hourani, called The Story of the Watermelon, appeared in the Subjective Atlas of Palestine.
The symbolism of the Watermelon began after the 1967 Six-Day War, when the Israeli government restricted displays of the Palestinian flag—red, green, black, and white—in Gaza and the West Bank. This crackdown included actions like shutting down an art gallery in Ramallah in 1980, with an Israeli officer reportedly stating that even art using the forbidden colors, like a watermelon, was prohibited.
In defiance, some people started using the Watermelon's imagery or carrying the fruit itself in public, as its colors mirrored the banned flag: red pulp, green and white rind, and black seeds. This act served as a form of protest and a way to express Palestinian identity and resistance.
Watermelon saw a resurgence in 2023, particularly after Israel's National Security Minister banned Palestinian flags in public places, prompting activists to use watermelon stickers as a form of opposition.
Protestors with watermelon illustrations, symbolizing the Palestinian flag, in Tel Aviv, Israel on Aug. 12, 2023. Mustafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
In 2023, social media became a crucial space for sharing information about the most recent Gaza conflict, but it also experienced significant censorship aimed at suppressing Palestinian narratives. To navigate these restrictions, activists turned to unconventional communication methods, transforming ordinary symbols like emojis into powerful tools.
Watermelon motif in Ananda Shobhajatra, Dhaka, Bangladesh (14 April 2025)
The Watermelon gained profound meaning, used to represent the colors of the Palestinian flag and the resilience of Gaza citizens. The shift to using this emoji online was a deliberate strategy to circumvent censorship and shadow banning on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
Advocates suggest that employing emojis like 🍉 may confuse algorithms that tech companies reportedly use to suppress posts containing keywords related to Palestine or Gaza. This allows activists to signal solidarity and resistance across language and culture, reaching audiences despite platform restrictions.
Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian activists take part in a National March to call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza on December 9, 2023, in London, United Kingdom. Mark Kerrison/Getty Images
About
This experimental translator was created by Master's students in Information Design at DAE. The translation tool is designed to explore media activism, censorship, and online resistance, the website provides only a partial view due to the limited dataset.
This experimental translator was created by Master's students in Information Design at DAE. The translation tool is designed to explore media activism, censorship, and online resistance, the website provides only a partial view due to the limited dataset.
History
The Watermelon has evolved into a powerful symbol of Palestinian resistance, starting as physical displays in response to oppressive measures to its digital adoption as an emoji, ingeniously bypassing online censorship efforts. This transformation highlights the adaptability of symbolic communication in the face of restrictions on expression, allowing solidarity and national identity to persist and spread.
The watermelon became a symbol of Palestine, and its flag, when other expressions were prohibited by Israeli authorities [X/@zazim_org_il]
The fruit's significance is rooted in its connection to the colors of the Palestinian flag and its resilient nature, making it a powerful emblem in challenging times.
'Watermelon flag' – A 2007 painting by Khaled Hourani, called The Story of the Watermelon, appeared in the Subjective Atlas of Palestine.
The symbolism of the Watermelon began after the 1967 Six-Day War, when the Israeli government restricted displays of the Palestinian flag—red, green, black, and white—in Gaza and the West Bank. This crackdown included actions like shutting down an art gallery in Ramallah in 1980, with an Israeli officer reportedly stating that even art using the forbidden colors, like a watermelon, was prohibited.
In defiance, some people started using the Watermelon's imagery or carrying the fruit itself in public, as its colors mirrored the banned flag: red pulp, green and white rind, and black seeds. This act served as a form of protest and a way to express Palestinian identity and resistance.
Watermelon saw a resurgence in 2023, particularly after Israel's National Security Minister banned Palestinian flags in public places, prompting activists to use watermelon stickers as a form of opposition.
Protestors with watermelon illustrations, symbolizing the Palestinian flag, in Tel Aviv, Israel on Aug. 12, 2023. Mustafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
In 2023, social media became a crucial space for sharing information about the most recent Gaza conflict, but it also experienced significant censorship aimed at suppressing Palestinian narratives. To navigate these restrictions, activists turned to unconventional communication methods, transforming ordinary symbols like emojis into powerful tools.
Watermelon motif in Ananda Shobhajatra, Dhaka, Bangladesh (14 April 2025)
The Watermelon gained profound meaning, used to represent the colors of the Palestinian flag and the resilience of Gaza citizens. The shift to using this emoji online was a deliberate strategy to circumvent censorship and shadow banning on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
Advocates suggest that employing emojis like 🍉 may confuse algorithms that tech companies reportedly use to suppress posts containing keywords related to Palestine or Gaza. This allows activists to signal solidarity and resistance across language and culture, reaching audiences despite platform restrictions.
Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian activists take part in a National March to call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza on December 9, 2023, in London, United Kingdom. Mark Kerrison/Getty Images
WHEN WORDS ARE NO LONGER SAFE, WHAT CAN WE SAY FOR 🍉?
This translation tool helps you take part in protests and share your message effectively, using insights from the 1,000 most recent Instagram posts (as of 30/04/2025) related to 🍉 Palestine. By analyzing how emojis and words interact, it highlights the most impactful combinations for expressing your cause through symbols of resistance and community.
In protest posts, emojis play three key roles: they help avoid censorship, enhance emotional expression, and build a sense of shared identity. Using emojis well can make your activism more powerful.
For example, 🍉 has become a powerful symbol of Palestinian resistance, evolving from a physical display against oppression to a digital icon used to bypass online censorship.
