In Photos

By Ahmed Khalil / Photoreporter | Edited by Victoria Vega

In recent months, the Eternal City has maintained its status as an ever-changing tapestry of monumentalization, as Romans have adopted their streets as a canvas of political expression to convey their solidarity with the Palestinian cause. A canvas for art, expression and passion. This photo essay displays a series of images captured from February to April that showcase various forms of Palestinian solidarity within Rome.

On a gloomy day in February, a man was seen wearing a Palestinian Keffiyeh. Its colors and patterns against the dreary background symbolize the lengths people are willing to go to stand up to the injustices that Palestinians face constantly. This symbolic gesture was not an isolated event or a single representation of the solidarity displayed throughout Rome. Instead, it represents a growing trend among Romans who find pride in fighting injustices.

Students have also been using their voices and creativity to incorporate symbols of Palestinian resistance into their dress sense. These demonstrations can take many forms, such as unique manicures or necklaces proudly displaying the map of Palestine. Rarely do we see youth engagement in political situations of this magnitude, which indicates widespread concern and the importance of a free Palestine in the future.

The aftermath of a protest in front of the Ministero dell’Istruzione is a vivid reminder of the city’s engagement with global issues. The graffiti displayed on the walls of Rome emphasizes the importance of continuing to call for a free Palestine while boycotting Israel and informing others of the importance of speaking out.

Perhaps the most personal of these expressions is a portrait of a key to a 1967 Palestinian home given to the artist by his grandmother. Resting on a brick wall is a symbol for Palestinians that one day, they will be able to return to their homes. “I lost my family, my home, my life, everything. I was only a child, and I didn’t understand that I was never getting my life back,” said Gihan Mohamed (mother of the author). For Palestinians, these keys are passed down from generation to generation to maintain one thing within their community: hope. 

Vandalism and destruction, too, tell a part of this story. A torn poster of a medic holding a child, discarded on the ground, speaks volumes about the ongoing conflict and its ramifications on innocent lives.

A Keffiyeh was discovered draping over an e-scooter next to an unfinished structure, creating a powerful allegory for the devastation Palestinians endure. Among other pictures, this one demonstrates how deeply the people of Rome felt and processed the situation of the Palestinian people. 

Billboards and bridges in Rome have also become platforms for expressing support. Slogans like “No one is free until we are all free” found on Ponte Sisto and images emphasizing Palestinian freedom using the national colors resonate with passersby, compelling them to reflect on the broader implications of freedom and oppression.

The visual narrative also encompasses the catastrophes that Palestinian families have experienced on a personal level. The posters effectively convey the anguish and resiliency of individuals who have lost loved ones. These images serve as a reminder of the human cost of greedy individuals and injustice in the middle of the political conversation.

The sentiment “Palestine, Rome is with you” emerged following political developments. The statement reflects a collective response from the Roman community against prevailing political stances. This solidarity is a testament to the city’s rich history of embracing diverse causes and standing with those in need of support.

After Giorgia Meloni claimed Italy’s support of Israel, Romans ensured that individuals in positions of power did not represent public opinion. Their powerful message, “Palestine, Rome is with you,” can only be interpreted as a direct response to Giorgia Meloni’s. This is an example of Roman solidarity for diverse causes that support those in need and oppose the general political narrative. 

From vandalized posters to symbolic attire, Rome’s streets tell a tale of optimism, resiliency, and solidarity. Khalil’s vision shows us a city that has unified to support the Palestinian cause, serving as a reminder of the undeniable significance that visual expressions have in promoting justice and human rights on a global scale.

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