Name/Title
Handala (1990s-2000s)Tags
On ViewDescription
Original Creation: 1969
Original Artist: Naji Al-Ali
Photographer: Buthaina Hattab
Image Date: 1990s-2000s
Naji Al-Ali created cartoons that depicted the complexities of the plight of Palestinian refugees. Handala, the refugee child who is featured here, remains a potent symbol of the struggle of the Palestinian people's longing for Palestine and commitment to justice and self-determination. Handala appeared for the first time in 1969 and turned his back to the viewer and clasped his hands behind his back from 1973 onwards. Handala was born 10 years old and will always be 10 years old. When Handala returns, he will still be 10 years old, and start growing up. Handala’s posture, with his turned back and clasped hands symbolize the character's rejection of all the so-called American “solutions” presented to Palestinians that prevent them from freedom. Handala's ragged clothes symbolize Al-Ali’s allegiance to the poor.
Today, the image of Handala is found in murals and graffiti art in the streets of refugee camps and occupied Palestine, as well as across the apartheid wall. In this photograph, we see three boys standing like Handala, with their arms held behind their back. Each year approximately 500-700 Palestinian children, some as young as 12 years old, are detained and prosecuted in the Israeli military court system with the most common charge being stone throwing. With their hands held behind their back, the Palestinian boys in this photograph are posing like Handala, and at the same time, clasping their hands as if they have been arrested.Copyright
Notes
These are restricted images and cannot be shared on social media without prior permission from the publisher.
