'My people'
This symbolism and use of the watermelon was motivated by the fact that, when sliced open, the fruit prominently exhibits the distinctive hues of the Palestinian flag—red, black, white, and green. This strategic utilization allowed Palestinians to convey their solidarity and resistance in a subtle yet powerful manner, circumventing the restrictions imposed by the Israeli occupation forces and settlers. The watermelon, thus, became a tangible representation of resilience and defiance in the face of a brutal occupation.
The adoption of the watermelon as a symbol of Palestinian identity has historical roots dating back to the aftermath of what is known as the ‘six-day war’ in 1967, during which Israel forcefully, brutally and against international law occupied the West Bank, Gaza, and annexed East Jerusalem. A pivotal moment arose when the Israeli government declared the public display of the Palestinian flag a criminal offense in Gaza and the West Bank. Faced with this prohibition, Palestinians ingeniously turned to the watermelon as a means of expressing their national identity.
MIAMI NATIVE OF PALESTINIAN AND DOMINICAN DESCENT, was born in New York and has seamlessly woven her diverse cultural background into her musical identity. At just 18 years old, she stands as a dedicated vocalist, accomplished songwriter, and emerging producer. Jazlynn is recognized for her relentless work ethic and dynamic approach within the music industry, foreshadowing an exciting and promising future in the realm of music.