Heart of the Key

“Heart of the Key” symbolizes the continuation of the Palestinian struggle from generation to generation. 

The central image is a key, which represents the homes that were lost in the Nakba, and symbolizes the Right to Return for Palestinian  people.  Inside the opening of the key is a dream image of the national figure and leader, Walid Daqqa, playing with his daughter, Milad.

It is a dream image because it could never occur in real life.  

Walid Daqqa, a known National figure and leader, was in prison for over 25 years, unable to have physical contact with his wife Sana’a. Somehow, Walid was able to smuggle his sperm out of the high security Israeli prison to his wife, and she became pregnant with Milad, their daughter, who is now six years old. Sana’a, embodying the courage and dedication of Palestinian women, has seen, approved, and expressed gratitude for our design.

Tragically, Walid died in prison in 2024 from medical neglect, just as this SUMUD project was developing.  Walid’s story symbolizes the historical significance of heroic Palestinian prisoners challenging Israeli prisons.