Palestine once had a significant carnation export industry, particularly in the Gaza Strip, during the late 20th and early 21st century. Gaza was known for its flower exports, with carnations one of the primary products. The industry thrived, especially in the early 2000s, when Palestinian farmers exported carnations to European markets, especially to the Netherlands.
Between 2005 and 2012 I created an alternative Valentine's Day starting in Los Angeles and developing in Amsterdam called the Valentine Peace Project (VPP). Together with schools and volunteers we disseminated original poems and statements we received from around the world on peace and greater faces of love, connecting them to ethically sourced or local flowers and giving them away on the streets every February 14.
"It's Cupid's day off, and in his place, is a Cupid with the same face, but a different mission, a different cause . . ." from Cupid's Day Off submitted to the VPP by Los Angeles student Ali Ryan-Plasil
While working on the Valentine Peace Project (VPP) I learned of Palestinian carnations released from an Israeli blockade brokered by the Dutch government. A friend and I drove to Aalsmeer, a flower trade location, and met with the trader to include them in the project.
One poem I received was from a significant poet in Israel. Tying it to a Gaza carnation to give out on the streets of Amsterdam underlined the very global connectivity project I was trying to do - how we we are connected not only through responsible international trade, but through words given as a gift on a day dedicated to love.
Looking from today this seems like a different world - but that world is still possible . . .
"My flowers will be a means to spread peace in the world, this is a message to the whole world that peace and love starts from Gaza."
Palestinian flower grower
Dreaming Forward
Carnation Palestine is a project dreaming forward the day when the industry can again thrive. Even become a tool of rebuilding through a popular flower 'peace product'. Expanding from Fairtrade and 'conflict flowers' (like efforts in England importing Afghan raisins - 'raisin awareness'); agricultural or horticultural products become significant tools of development.
In Institute for War and Peace Reporting Dutch diplomat Frans Makken talks about his time as research coordinator at the Agro-Economic Research Institute, investigating the potential of Palestinian exports of the past frustrated by tedious checks and Israeli settlements taking control of fresh water supplies with shipments arriving rotten after continual controls.
Looking Back as well as Forward: "Despite the challenges and high costs, the floral industry continues to have great importance for the Gaza Strip. After all, the flower farming business used to contribute around 25 million US dollars to the national income annually, with 4,500 workers in the sector. In light of that fact, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip continue to create opportunities and farmers maintain their flower cultivation, clinging to the hope that the flower sector will flourish once again." Rosa Luxembourg Foundation
In this time of immediacy I contribute what's possible now. With a symbol - drawn by Berlin artist Bill Roberts - we build awareness of the past Palestine flower industry and dream it forward, as well as assist with what's presently needed.
In the Printify store 65% of sales go to Gaza family GoFundMe projects and the Direct Support for Families program.
Through the sale of tote bags, phone cases and t-shirts we not only raise money but educate about this past industry with the hope, dream and plan for the future of Palestine. Thanks for being a part of it.