Symbols of Palestine: The Key, the Olive Tree and Handala
A key, a tree and a cartoon child. On their own they seem ordinary, but for Palestinians they tell the story of home, memory and hope. Here is the meaning behind three of the most important Palestinian symbols.
The key of return
In 1948, during what Palestinians call the Nakba, or catastrophe, hundreds of thousands of people fled or were driven from their homes. Many locked the door behind them and kept the key, believing they would soon be back. Families have handed those keys down ever since, and the key has become a symbol of the right of return. A giant key sculpture stands above the entrance to Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem.
The olive tree
Some olive trees in Palestine are hundreds of years old, and families often care for the same trees across many generations. The olive tree represents rootedness, endurance and sumud, the Palestinian idea of steadfastness. Learn more in our article on olive harvest season in Palestine.
Handala
Handala is a barefoot refugee boy, always ten years old, created by Palestinian cartoonist Naji al-Ali in 1969. He stands with his back turned and his hands behind him, a witness who will not look away. Al-Ali said Handala would face us again only when Palestinians could return home. The cartoonist was shot in London in 1987 and died soon after, but Handala now appears on walls and protest signs from Ramallah to Chicago.
Why they endure
These symbols help carry history across generations and borders. They give supporters a way to understand the Palestinian story, and give Palestinians in the diaspora a way to hold on to it.
Our Exist. Resist. Return. design shares that message, alongside our Palestine Map and Palestine Hope collections.
FAQ
+What does the Palestinian key symbolize?
The key represents the right of return. Many families who left their homes in 1948 kept their house keys and passed them down.
+Why is the olive tree important in Palestine?
Olive trees are central to Palestinian land and life, and stand for rootedness and steadfastness, or sumud.
+Who is Handala?
Handala is a cartoon refugee boy created by Palestinian artist Naji al-Ali in 1969, always drawn with his back turned.
+Where is the giant key sculpture?
A large key sculpture stands over the entrance to Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem.
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