After Israel began its murderous bombing of Gaza, some Jews found a way to express both their Jewishness and their support for Palestinian human rights at the same time. See more...

The watermelon has become a surrogate symbol of Palestine. In Israel it’s dangerous to fly the red, green, white and black Palestinian flag. Anyone showing it runs the risk of attack by either settlers or Israeli police.

A 2022 Palestinian movie called “The Flag” shows what happens to some Palestinian kids living in Israel who want to replace the Israeli flag on their school with a Palestinian one. They face fierce repression.

But Palestinians in Israel and the West Bank have taken using the watermelon, which has the same colours, as a substitute symbol for Palestine. (It’s hard for Israel to ban a watermelon.)

Jewish solidarity

Since October 7th, some equally resourceful Jewish activists have taken to wearing the yarmulka (or kippa), a traditional religious headcovering, using the watermelon motif. An interesting new twist on “cross dressing”.

Where to get one?

A 100% Cotton Hand Made Yarmulke Jewish Kippah is available in Canada through Amazon for slightly more than $2300. Canadian. (Ouch!!.) But a more affordable version is available from AllJudaica.ca for just $20.

Canada Talks Israel Palestine (CTIP) is the weekly newsletter of Peter Larson, Chair of the Ottawa Forum on Israel/Palestine (OFIP). It aims to promote a serious discussion in Canada about Canada’s response to the complicated and emotional Israel/Palestine issue with a focus on the truth, clear analysis and human rights for all. Readers with different points of view are invited to make comment.
Want to learn more about us? Go to Ottawa Forum on Israel/Palestine.ca