Fan-owned Irish club Bohemian FC invited the Palestine women’s national team to Dalymount Park in Dublin for a friendly as an act of solidarity and to raise funds for humanitarian efforts in the region.
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The match took place in front of a sold-out crowd on 15th May, 76 years on from the ‘Nakba’ - the mass displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. It marks the first time any senior Palestine national team has played a game in Europe.
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On the evening of the game, Bohemian unveiled a mural dedicated to Hind Rajab, a six-year-old girl who lost her life in the assault of Gaza.
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Bohemian's Katie Malone scored first and celebrated by holding up a shirt that read “Saoirse don Phailistín” - which translates to ‘Freedom for Palestine’ in Irish Gaelic. But against the odds, Palestine won the game 2-1 and Nour Youseff’s winner received the loudest cheer of the night.
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Football’s failure to address the Palestinian cause properly has undermined the sport’s use as a force for good. But Bohemian has shown what the power of authentic solidarity can achieve within the beautiful game.
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Salute to Bohemian and the Palestinian national side for coming together to show the power of football, and a greater cause.