A symbol of Palestinian freedom and liberation, often mistaken for the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock is a significant holy site in Islam. It is believed to be where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to the heavens and spoke to God, an event known as Isra’ w Mi’raj.

Due to its Islamic significance, this site has been weaponized by the Israeli occupation to propagate a false narrative of religious conflict between Muslims and Jews. Despite being unfounded, this narrative has led to oppressive and violent measures that restrict Muslims from accessing the site. The Dome of the Rock symbolizes the struggle for Palestinian freedom, as it remains heavily oppressed and surveilled by the occupation, often resulting in violent clashes with the Palestinian indigenous population.

It's important to note that the Dome of the Rock is located inside the Al Aqsa complex, which Israel seeks to demolish as a whole.

It has been claimed, though unconfirmed, that a watermelon symbol, comprising the colors of the Palestinian flag, was used in place of the flag itself during a period when Israel had banned its display. While unconfirmed, this symbol surfaced during the uprising on October 7th, 2023.

It's crucial to note that the Palestinian flag continues to provoke hostility and its bearers face significant violence. Therefore, it is essential that we persist in using the flag itself and refrain from substituting it with any other symbol. We refuse to be assimilated; our presence will be defiantly vocal, and that includes the use of our flag.

The sign indicated a train platform off the Hijaz Railways. Haifa is the only station located in Palestine. My decision to set the scene in Palestine stems from the fact that it is the last physically occupied nation in our region. To achieve unity and build economic and social strength, we must prioritize the liberation of Palestine.

A Palestinian dish consisting of bread, chicken, and sumac, musakhan originated in the Tulkarm and Jenin areas and is often considered the national dish of Palestine.

Music created by artists within the SWANA region underscores the importance of the arts in building, solidifying, and strengthening our regional unity, creativity, and power. Music and the arts are cornerstones of our culture and will play a crucial role in our collective liberation and unity.

As a resilient tree that can flourish and withstand harsh environments, the olive branch has become a symbol of Palestinian resilience against Israeli occupation and a reminder of our connection to the land.

This painting, created during my artist residency at the MMAG Foundation in Amman, Jordan, depicts the very chandelier that hung in my studio space for seven months. Its shadow cast on everything I created, prompting me to naturally commemorate it.