Three teenage boys play soccer in front of the tents in Rafah at AFSC's Goals for Gaza tournament in April 2024. AFSC/Gaza
Show your solidarity with #GoalsForGaza
Palestinian children and young adults have long found joy and solace in playing soccer and following international soccer clubs, but over the past 6 months, Israeli bombs and attacks on Gaza have shattered communities, displacing, disabling, and orphaning many young players.
In solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, several teams around the world held or are holding matches, raising money for humanitarian aid and advocating for the rights and well-being of Palestinian children and communities.
You can participate too! Scroll down and visit AFSC's Instagram to see how you can help us score some #GoalsForGaza
On April 28, 40 young men aged 16 to 20 participated in a soccer tournament amidst the tents in Rafah. Eight teams played five-a-side matches, from 1 PM to 7 PM. The competitions concluded with one team winning the cup, amidst noticeable interaction between the spectators and players, who showed determination and enthusiasm despite the challenges they face. One of the players shared his touching story, expressing his love for the game and how he came from Gaza carrying only his playing jersey, emphasizing the importance of soccer in his life. The player urged the world to acknowledge the desire of children and youth in Gaza to freely pursue their favorite hobby, and to support efforts to rebuild damaged stadiums and infrastructure so they can enjoy the game that embodies their dreams and aspirations for a better life. Al Jazeera’s Ibtissem Guenfoud reports
Here's how you can participate:
Take to social media with us to highlight our #GoalsForGaza.
Sample tweets:
For Palestinian children, soccer is a joyous activity, but 7 months of Israeli bombs and attacks have displaced, disabled, and orphaned many young players. We need an immediate ceasefire, an end of US military aid to Israel, and unrestricted humanitarian aid now! #GoalsForGaza
On Apr 28, Palestinian boys in Rafah played soccer between the tents. One player urged the world to acknowledge the desire of youth in Gaza to freely pursue their favorite hobby. But 14,500+ children have been killed in 7 months of Israeli bombardment. #CeasefireNow #GoalsForGaza
@afsc_org staff organized a soccer tournament for internally displaced children in Rafah. As they play, I'm calling for a #CeasefireNow, the end of US military aid to Israel, the release of all held hostage and in prison, and unrestricted humanitarian aid for Gaza #GoalsForGaza
Check out AFSC on Facebook, X, and Instagram! To help those in the sports world understand the barriers to play that Palestinian children in Gaza must face, we’re asking that you tag your favorite soccer players and teams in the comment sections of all of our posts for the #GoalsForGaza event. Please also tag these players in any other content you post or repost on social media!
You can also boost the coverage our game in Rafah received in The Nation and from Al Jazeera English!
Do you know a sports team that would love to play a match or host an event for Gaza? Email Palestineactivism@afsc.org for more information. See photos from past #GoalsForGaza matches in our #GoalsForGaza Instagram highlight!
