My brush is my only weapon. -Palestinian cartoonist Naji al-Ali, creator of #Handala

My brush is my only weapon. -Palestinian cartoonist Naji al-Ali 1938-1987, creator of #Handala

Handala, also known as Handhala (Arabic: حنظلة), is the most famous of Al-Ali's characters. He is depicted as a ten-year-old boy, and appeared for the first time in Al-Siyasa in Kuwait in 1969. The figure turned his back to the viewer from the year 1973, and clasped his hands behind his back. The artist explained that the ten-year-old represented his age when 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". 

Handala wears ragged clothes and is barefoot, symbolising his allegiance to the poor. In later cartoons, he is actively participating in the action depicted not merely observing it. The artist vows that his figure, Handala will "reveal his face to the readers again only when Palestinian refugees return to their homeland".

"For much of his working life, al-Ali insisted that it was essential to retain hope... "  Pens and swords Michel Faber praises the work of a visionary Palestinian cartoonist

Naji al-Ali (1 January 2009). A Child in Palestine: The Cartoons of Naji al-Ali. Verso Books. ISBN 978-1-84467-365-0.

BBC ON THIS DAY webpage on Mr Al-Ali's assassination.

Handala