We believe in the power of art because we have seen how the image of a humble watermelon can serve as a form of defiance against oppression, conveying powerful messages of resistance and resilience. In 1967, the Israeli occupation outlawed the Palestinian flag. Twelve years later, in 1979, three Palestinian painters opened an art gallery in Ramallah, where they depicted the Palestinian struggle in their work. The Israeli occupation forces raided the gallery, confiscating all paintings featuring the colours of the Palestinian flag. Amid a ban on the Palestinian flag and its colours, one of the artists asked, 'What if I were to paint a flower in red, green, black, and white?' The occupiers replied, 'Even if you paint a watermelon, we will confiscate it.' From then on, the humble watermelon, which shares its colours with the Palestinian flag, became a symbol of defiance. This powerful statement against oppression embodies the spirit of resistance and creativity. For us, this symbol reflects our commitment to promoting Palestinian stories and amplifying voices that face repression, marginalisation, and erasure. Interlink Publishing, a publishing house, and Watermelon Pictures, an entertainment company - both Palestinian family-owned, independent, and committed to storytelling - aim to inform, educate, entertain, inspire, and encourage informed debate. We believe that until Israel adheres to international law and ends its occupation, and until Palestinians have equal rights, there can be no hope for peace.
