From a distance, it looks like a normal black leather bag, yet at checkpoints, it provides comfort and easy access for its users and carries a hidden message for Israeli soldiers.
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"The Checkpoint Bag," now called "The Black Sac" is a handmade leather bag produced by Palestinian architect and social activist Areej Ashhab.
With a cushioned back to give its carriers comfort while carrying it in cramped spaces and many pockets on its front to enable them to quickly throw in whatever is in their pockets prior to security checks, the bag was initially designed for Palestinians who frequently cross Israeli checkpoints.
Produced in Hebron, the bags also carry a hidden message only visible to Israeli soldiers through x-ray machines.
"I added a medal that looks like keys, symbolizing the keys of the right of return, in the back of the bag that are only visible to soldiers when the bag enters the x-ray machine," Ashhab said.
The first design was devised by Ashhab, who earned her degree at Jerusalem's Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, along with two other designers, Monika Grutze and Florian Mecklenburg, during an art workshop at Al-Ma'mal Foundation for Contemporary Art a few years back. Since then, several designs have been developed by Ashhab who now solely owns the trademark.
Newer designs symbolize the right to freedom of movement.
"I want to free this bag from being the checkpoint bag and the bitter occupation and turn it into a design that symbolizes the right to freedom of movement in Palestine," Ashhab told Reuters.
The bags are sold online on 'TheBlackSac' Instagram page for NIS 600 ($200) each.
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