Palestinian Flag Becomes Global Symbol of Protest Across Europe Amidst Social Unrest

The Palestinian flag and the traditional keffiyeh scarf have become increasingly visible symbols at recent demonstrations across Europe, appearing at protests concerning housing, education, and the rising cost of living. These Palestinian symbols were also notably present in Northern Ireland, where a long-standing standoff threatened to reignite historical grievances.

Kenny Pierre Agboton, affiliated with the Free University of Brussels for Palestine platform, explained that the use of the Palestinian flag in demonstrations serves as a nod to anti-colonialism and anti-repression struggles. "From climate change to liveable Earth, the Palestinian issue becomes the crossroad for every fight we have, at least in Western Europe," he told Al Jazeera. Agboton emphasized that engaging in political struggle is a conscious choice that prioritizes education over military action.

His association collaborates with similar groups at other universities in Belgium, often distributing flags during nationwide demonstrations. In France, nationwide rallies initially sparked by issues within the education system have also seen the Palestinian flag displayed. High school students, supported by university and teacher associations, trade unions, and some politicians, are advocating for more affordable, higher-quality education, improved school facilities, smaller class sizes, and increased teacher numbers. Some participants in these French protests have carried the Palestinian flag or worn the keffiyeh.

Alice Cohen-Morzadec, a spokesperson for the French Student Union and a frequent protester, views the flag as a representation of the daily hardships faced in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, as well as broader global inequalities. "As young people, high school or university students, we know that these demonstrations are not just about our own situation; it is about a global system that is organising attacks on our rights," she stated. "It is a broader movement against world capitalism and colonialism system."

The use of these symbols has garnered support from some politicians. Nelson Mandela was seen wearing a keffiyeh in 1990. In 2006, then-Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero briefly wore one after a young Palestinian reportedly placed it around his neck. Mario Furore, an Italian member of the European Parliament from the Five Star Movement, questioned the outrage over citizens displaying the Palestinian flag, especially in light of accusations against the Israeli government regarding actions in Gaza and the West Bank. He cautioned against relativizing the situation, noting that Israeli operations since October 7, 2023, have resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths, a fact he believes provides crucial perspective.

However, the anti-colonial message or the political considerations behind displaying the Palestinian flag do not resonate universally within European protest movements. Fatos Lubonja, an activist and writer who endured 17 years of imprisonment during Albania's communist rule, noted that he is among the few who have carried the Palestinian flag or worn a keffiyeh during anticorruption demonstrations in his Muslim-majority country over the past four months. Lubonja explained that in Albania, some associate the Palestinian struggle with issues concerning Muslims, and Muslims are often equated with the Ottoman Empire. He described a historical narrative of liberation from Ottoman occupation and a desire to be part of Europe. "That is why Albanians, even today, are very pro-American and, of course, being pro-American means you also have to be pro-Israel," he commented.

The display of Palestinian symbols at European demonstrations has not been met with universal approval. Waddah Abu Jamea, a Palestinian writer and researcher, expressed discomfort in an October article for Al Majalla magazine. He observed that Palestinians are often expected to condemn acts of violence while simultaneously seeing their flag used in diverse causes, leading to the dilution of its original meaning. He noted the flag's use in struggles over identity, immigration, religion, and security, overshadowing the Palestinian national cause. Abu Jamea highlighted the paradox of the flag crossing borders while Palestinians face closed borders, and its presence at demonstrations while schools in Gaza are destroyed.

Some have directly urged student protesters to reconsider their association with the Palestinian cause. Janine di Giovanni, a journalist and head of The Reckoning Project, shared her perspective from the West Bank in October, where she was documenting the experiences of Palestinian families during the olive harvest amidst daily violence. She gently requested that protesters not link their struggles to Palestine, not because their own issues are unimportant, but because the situations are fundamentally different. "Palestinians are fighting for something more basic: the right to live freely and safely on their own land," she wrote. "When the two are conflated, it blurs what is happening here and gives those who already misunderstand both causes an easy excuse to dismiss them, or to see only violence. Fight for your future. It is worth fighting for. But let Palestine’s story be told on its own terms."