Economic Blockade

Throughout history, art has been a powerful tool for resistance, giving voice to the struggles of oppressed peoples and creating a shared language of solidarity. It transcends borders and connects communities, allowing us to collaborate in amplifying calls for justice. This mural stands as a visual representation of that resistance, embodying the unity of those fighting against imperialism and genocide.

This spoon is a dedication to the peoples’ blockade of ships carrying weapons for the zionist entity’s genocide of the Palestinian people. There is particular emphasis on the brave people of Yemen who blockaded the Red Sea, starving the zionist entity of weapons to use on Gaza. The Yemeni dagger, or “jambiya”, which symbolizes courage, honor, and status, is depicted blocking a Maersk ship, and shows both the strength and success of solidarity among all those who are fighting against US imperialism. Yemen, which has resisted and suffered under imperialism for decades, made the ultimate sacrifice to divert aggression from Gaza. When the US punished Yemen with bombardments for their brave and righteous blockade of the sea, Yemenis responded with gratitude that those bombs were not falling on the people of Gaza. 

Depicted in the center boat is Handala and the Hudhud bird. Handala is a popular symbol representing the right of Palestinians to return to their homeland. In Islamic folktales, the Hudhud bird is historically a messenger between Palestine and Yemen. In this mural, the Palestinian child Handala sends the Hudhud bird to call on his siblings in Yemen for help. Yemen has shown the world what true solidarity looks like, when Gaza calls Yemen answers!

The ship on the mural is a Maersk ship, which is the largest logistics and shipping company in the world and has transported over $300 million worth of weapons components to be assembled and used by the zionist entity to commit its genocide. We are removing the mask from Maersk and exposing it as a company that has played a crucial role in facilitating the genocide in Gaza. These weapons are assembled and shipped to the zionist entity from the United States. As people living in the imperial core, we have a role to play in preventing those weapons from being used on our siblings in Gaza. We are imposing an arms embargo to demand that Maersk cut ties with genocide and cease all shipments of weapons to be used in israel’s genocide on Gaza. 

This mural also includes a nod to Cuba, which has been under brutal sanctions by the US for decades. Cuba has always stood with Palestine and frequently sponsors Palestinians to receive medical training in Cuba. In the story of this mural, those students can return to Gaza to heal their people with the support of the brave Cuban people. ¡Cuba sí! ¡Bloqueo no!