Palestinian footballer “on mission” for peace in Bilbao
“On a mission” In Bilbao, coach Ehab Abu Jazar and the Palestinian team players will play a symbolic match on Saturday against the Basque Country team, the first in Europe for their current group, in the hope of achieving peace.
On one of the pitches loaned for free by the Basque club, the coach tried to prepare his players as best as possible for the match that was supposed to take place on the San Mamés pitch in front of 50,000 spectators. All will be committed to the Palestinian cause, which is hugely popular in the region, where demonstrations disrupted the Tour of Spain cycling race a few weeks ago.
“It’s hard to train when your mother lives in a makeshift tent. I come from Gaza. We have lost almost 200 people to martyrdom in my family. My house is destroyed”Ehab Abu Jazar confided in Agence France-Presse: “Emotionally and psychologically it is very difficult, but representing Palestine is the greatest honor ever. »
Unlike their coach, most of the selected players have never set foot in Gaza. They play in Qatar, Chile, Iceland or the United States. Nevertheless, they are the last representatives of Palestinian football. From 7 October 2023, there will be no more championships, no more clubs in operation; Hundreds of athletes were injured or killed in the conflict, including the country’s most famous footballer, Suleiman Al-Obeid, nicknamed “Palestinian Pele”died in August, aged 41, in the southern Gaza Strip.
“We are here on a mission to convey a message to the whole world: the Palestinian people have the right to live in dignity”the trainer said as he adjusted his keffiyeh around his neck.
“We must end the occupation, end this war and genocide. Death continues to plague Gaza, as does hunger. And there is no shelter”he assured, although the ceasefire on October 10 was fragile.
He hopes, like his players, this charity match, the first to be held in Europe for Palestinian selection and all profits will be donated to Doctors Without Borders, will highlight this. “pressure” to the international community for lasting peace and recognition of the State of Palestine.
“This is the most important thing: giving a voice to Palestinians who don’t have one, and raising funds to help humanitarian associations. These funds will be very helpful, especially to rebuild hospitals, provide medicines, etc.”assured defender Yaser Hamed, born in Bilbao, trains at Athletic Club and now plays in Qatar. “We have a responsibility to give a little joy to our suffering compatriots. All this must stop and Palestine must finally be free.”he added.
