EXCERPT
The design story of the Gaza ceasefire marches
Marches have been taking place across the world, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Here designer Sana Iqbal highlights some of the protest posters that have been used to call for peace, and explains the symbolism behind them
By Sana Iqbal 28/11/2023
Recent weeks have seen thousands of people across the world take to the streets to call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and a mutual hostage exchange. People from all walks of life, including Jewish and Palestinian movements, are working together to call for an end to Israel’s occupation, and equal rights and freedoms for both Palestinians and Israelis. It’s the social justice movement of our age, from the shut down of San Francisco Bay Bridge to chants of ‘Free Palestine’ echoing across every major city on earth.
Director and artist B Human has been creating graphics for UK-based Jewish movements, such as the Black-Jewish Alliance and Na’amod, to promote the national marches for Palestine. Their posters are illustrated with the Star of David, a symbol of Jewish identity and Judaism, created out of slices of watermelon.
“Palestinians were banned from flying the Palestinian flag, [so] they used the watermelon … as it contains the same colours as the flag and the fruit itself is cultivated in the region,” explains Human. This powerful fusion of symbols visualises Jews and Palestinians working together for Palestinian freedom, and in turn peaceful co-existence.