In May 2024, Bisan Abuaita’s tears at Jordan’s Queen Alia Airport were a testament to the profound emotional weight carried by the Palestinian women’s soccer team. The squad had not gathered since the onset of the Gaza conflict, a period marked by severe trauma for Palestinians both within the enclave and in the diaspora. Their reunion was not merely a personal event but a symbolic gesture of resilience as the team prepared for their historic journey to Dublin, Ireland.
For the first time, a senior Palestinian women’s soccer team was set to play in Europe, a milestone achieved amidst the harrowing backdrop of war. The Palestinian women’s league, intended to commence on October 9, 2023, was thwarted by Hamas' assault on Israel, triggering a military response that has resulted in immense loss of life and displacement. The May match against Bohemians FC at Dalymount Park represented a rare moment of normalcy and a glimmer of hope for players and supporters alike.
The significance of this match was underscored by its coincidence with the 76th anniversary of the Nakba, a seminal event in Palestinian history. The Nakba, or catastrophe, saw around 700,000 Palestinians displaced during the establishment of Israel in 1948. The friendly fixture was not only a football game but a potent reminder of historical struggles, attended by thousands of Palestinian flag-waving fans and supported by Irish President Michael Higgins. The proceeds from the match were directed to aid organizations supporting refugees in Palestine.
Despite their 2-1 victory over Bohemians, the result of the game was secondary to its broader implications. Captain Mira Natour, who juggles her role as a doctor with leading the team, spoke of the immense pride and emotional weight she felt. The match was more than a sporting event; it was a powerful representation of Palestinian resilience and national identity amidst ongoing adversity.
The players’ journey to Dublin involved significant logistical challenges, with many traveling from the West Bank and other regions. The absence of airports in Palestinian territories necessitated a cumbersome trip via Jordan, involving multiple security checkpoints. The team’s manager, Deema Yousef, highlighted the ongoing blockade of Gaza as a major impediment, which has prevented players from the Gaza Strip from participating in the team’s activities.
Charlotte Phillips, an 18-year-old goalkeeper born in Canada to a Palestinian mother, underscored the emotional significance of the match for her family. Her grandparents, survivors of the Nakba, had fled Jerusalem in the 1970s, and their presence at the match was deeply meaningful for Phillips and her family.
The team’s return to the field was a bittersweet experience, marked by both the joy of competition and the sorrow of ongoing conflict. Abuaita articulated the team’s commitment to playing in memory of those lost and to raise awareness of the Palestinian plight. The destruction of sports facilities in Gaza has left many Palestinian athletes unable to train or compete, adding to the emotional and symbolic weight of the match.
Following the Dublin match, both the Palestinian men’s and women’s teams have engaged in additional international friendlies. The men’s team remains in contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the continued presence and aspirations of Palestinian soccer on the global stage. For the Palestinian women’s team, football represents more than just a sport, it is a vehicle for hope, unity, and advocacy, inspiring future generations and asserting their identity amidst conflict.
