Meet Handala
Handala is the most famous of Palestinian political cartoonist Naji al-Ali’s characters. Depicted as a ten-year old boy, he first appeared in 1969.
In 1973 he turned away from the viewer and clasped his hands behind his back.
The artist explained that the ten-year old Handala represented his age when he was forced to leave Palestine and would not grow up until he could return to his homeland; his turned back and clasped hands symbolised the character’s rejection of “outside solutions.” He wears ragged clothes and is barefoot, symbolising his allegiance to the poor.
Handala remains an iconic symbol of Palestinian identity and defiance.
Let him share his story with you.
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