Handala: A Symbol of Palestinian Struggle and Defiance

Handala, the iconic spiky-haired boy, is a powerful symbol of Palestinian resistance and struggle. Created by Palestinian newspaper cartoonist Naji al-Ali in 1969, Handala remains etched in the collective consciousness as a testament to resilience and defiance against occupation.

Who Is Handala?

Handala is forever 10 years old, the same age that Ali was when his family faced displacement during the 1948 Nakba (Arabic for “catastrophe”)—the mass displacement of Palestinians when the state of Israel was formed.
His name is derived from a resilient, bitter plant called handal, which grows in the Middle East. Just like the plant, Handala persists, always growing back even when uprooted.
Handala’s appearance is striking: his hair resembles a hedgehog, his feet are bare, and his tattered clothes reflect hardship.
But what truly defines Handala is his posture: he stands with his back perpetually turned to the world.

Symbolism and Satire

Handala represents insurgency, refusal, and struggle. Through this character, Naji al-Ali satirized politics surrounding the Palestinian cause, Arab world politics, and international involvement in the conflict.
The boy’s defiant stance embodies rejection—rejecting foreign-imposed solutions and advocating for Palestinian agency.
In 1973, after the Yom Kippur War, Handala turned his back to the reader. During this conflict, a coalition of Arab countries fought Israel, and foreign nations pushed for a settlement. Ali’s artistic choice reinforced his rejection of imposed solutions.

Contemporary Relevance

As the Israel-Hamas war continues in Gaza, Handala’s significance has resurfaced.
Artists worldwide pay tribute to Handala, drawing figures with their backs to the reader—a powerful act of solidarity.
Italian and Japanese artists have created posters featuring Handala, advocating for peace and an immediate cease-fire.
Handala’s legacy endures, inspiring generations to resist, persist, and reclaim agency in the face of adversity.