Photo of Palestinian lawyer kicking tear gas canister lights up the internet

When aPalestinian lawyer in his formal attire was photographed puntinga tear gas canister with a flying kick back towardIsraeli soldiers, the internet took it up an opportunity for fun, but the image has also connected the social media world with strife in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Palestinian lawyers joined protestsnear the Al-AqsaMosque on Oct. 12. Tensions over themosque have been asource ofclashes between Israelis and Palestinians.

Hassan Ajaj was part of that group of lawyers when he dramatically booted the tear gas canister whilewearing his formal robe.

"I just wanted to kick it [away]," he said to The Associated Press.

Majdi Mohammed of the AP took the now viral photograph of Ajaj, his legs flying, as he shot back the canister. The internet has spawned myriad forms of the image.

There's Ajaj as a dance star

Bowling with Obama

Showing off his martial arts skills

Launching a soccer ball across the field

Or using his robes to fit in at Hogwarts

While the images themselves exhibit a sense of playfulness, Ajaj told The Associated Press that he feels the sheer popularity of the image it's been widely shared on Tumblr, Twitter and Redditaccording to Buzzfeedconnects toa deeper sense of frustration.

"Social media helped Palestinians compare themselves with other societies," said Ajaj. "They have a right to live like any other nation."

Tensions have heightened in the Old City as many Palestinians worry about what they perceive asIsraeliencroachment on the Al-AqsaMosque, which currently barsnon-Muslimsfrom praying there.

Israeldeniesit has any plans to expand its presence at the mosque.

Since mid-September,11 Israelis have been killed in stabbings and shootings by Palestinians, while68 Palestinians been killed by Israeli forces.