Lego enthusiast Jørgen Berg Pedersen creates watermelon kits to support UNRWA in Norway

Jørgen Berg Pedersen, a 45-year-old Lego enthusiast, designed a watermelon-shaped Lego kit this spring, which quickly gained popularity. All profits from the sales are directed to UNRWA, the United Nations relief agency for Palestinian refugees in the Middle East. Pedersen advocates for everyone to use their voice, emphasizing that activism can take various forms, such as knitting traditional mittens.

Over 200 watermelon kits have been delivered across Norway, with the last one sold for 10,000 NOK. However, Pedersen decided to conclude the project due to its mental toll. He described himself as a Lego “nerd” and has been engaged in activism concerning the Gaza situation for several months. Feeling the pressure from his activism alongside work and family, Pedersen sought a change and found it through the watermelon project.

The watermelon emoji has emerged as a symbol for the Palestinian flag on social media, mirroring its colors—black, green, white, and red. Pedersen noted that the watermelon has become a “symbolically heavy fruit.” After organizing a team for production, he ordered almost 9,000 bricks for the initial batch of 100 watermelons, which sold out within 18 hours.

He priced each kit at 400 NOK, with all proceeds going to UNRWA, particularly in light of Israel’s recent move to ban the organization. Pedersen received numerous images from customers showcasing their Lego watermelons at home.

After delivering the kits from Lindesnes to Kirkenes, Pedersen marketed his final watermelon on Instagram for 10,000 NOK, which was purchased by Maria Kristine Otterlei. She expressed her desire to contribute as a privileged individual living in peace. Pedersen’s message reinforces the idea that everyone should make an effort in their way, whether through creative activism or other means.