On the Edge: How the Watermelon Became a Pro-Palestinian Protest Symbol

The watermelon, a staple of Israeli summers, has in recent years become a pro-Palestinian protest symbol due to its colors resembling the Palestinian flag. N12 magazine reporter speaks with Volcani Institute researchers about the fruit's history, its colorful varieties, efforts to restore it to its roots, and the impact of climate change on its quality. Experts recount its African origin, its mention in the Bible, and its transformation into a global icon.

The watermelon, a familiar summer fruit in Israel, has in recent years become a pro-Palestinian protest symbol, as its colors – red, green, white, and black – resemble those of the Palestinian flag. N12 magazine reporter speaks with Volcani Institute researchers, including Dr. Amit Gur and Dr. Amnon Kochavi, about the fruit's history, its range of colorful varieties, research efforts to restore it to its roots, and the impact of climate change on its quality. The experts say the watermelon originates in East Africa, in the Sudan region, and is already mentioned in the Book of Numbers. They explain that the intense red color became standard only in recent decades, and that the orange variety, originating from Hungary, did not achieve commercial success. The article also notes that the watermelon was adopted as a symbol by pro-Palestinian supporters in response to bans on flying the Palestinian flag in certain places, and that the researchers themselves were surprised to discover this.