Checkpoint bag

This bag narrates the struggle that thousands of Palestinians go through daily. It reveals the system of the checkpoint that is purposely designed to make the experience as irritating as possible. The bag is not simply adapting and giving up control to the system, but challeng- es it by empowering the people. Waiting in long lines, cramped spaces and pushing between the crowds becomes smoother with the extra cushioned back. A horizontal order of pockets allow for additional compartments, easily accessible by hand. Israeli soldiers viewing x-ray machines will see a hidden pattern of the ‘Right of Return’ keys (Haqq al-awda). Visible only under the machine, it becomes a meaningful symbol claiming the right to freedom of movement and return to the homeland. Designed by Areej Ashhab (PS), Florian Mecklenburg (DE), Monika Grütze (LV). Manufacturer: Yehya Al Herbawi (Old City, Jerusalem). Year of design: 2015. Materials: Leather, metal zippers, printed aluminium foil. Size: 37 * 28 * 14 cm.