The Palestinian Women’s National Team landed in Ireland this week ahead of their friendly against Dublin team Bohemians Football Club.
They were met at the airport with flags, signs and cheers ahead of the historic match.
The team then headed to Áras an Uachtaráin to meet with Michael D Higgins.
This comes before they will take to the pitch this Wednesday at Dalymount Park in Dublin.
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The team was also joined by Jibril Rajoub, President of the Palestinian Football Association and Chair of the Palestinian Olympic Committee, and Dr Jilan Abdalmajid, Ambassador-Head of Mission of the Palestinian Mission, who spoke to Uachtarán Higgins.
Bohs FC shared pictures of the meeting on social media, writing: “President of Ireland Michael D Higgins hosted players and management of Bohemians and Palestine at Áras an Uachtaráin today ahead of Wednesday’s historic international solidarity game at Dalymount Park.”
All proceeds from the match will be donated to Sport For Life Palestine, Medical Aid For Palestinians and Aclaí Palestine. While the event is sold out, the club is still accepting donations that will further help with aid.
The club explained that it will be held on the 15th of March to “mark the 76th anniversary of Nakba, and highlight the human rights violations in occupied Palestine”.
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The Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid said: “I am very proud to welcome our women’s football team that will be playing in Ireland for the first time in its history. I am thrilled to work with Bohemian FC who facilitated this match for the first time in Europe.
“There is no better way to commemorate the Nakba than by having our national team come to one of the few countries in Europe that is constant and consistent in its solidarity with our just cause. Thank you, Ireland, thank you to the Irish people, and thank you Bohemian FC.”
At the time of the tickets going on sale Matt Devaney, President of Bohemian FC said: “We want this to be a very special few days for the Palestinian team and the delegation visiting Ireland.
“We look forward to welcoming the Palestinian team to Dalymount Park and hope the Irish public get behind this occasion and our efforts to raise a substantial sum to assist and highlight the plight of people in a truly dire situation.”
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Bohemians Chief Operating Officer Daniel Lambert said: “While the game will be the highlight and send out a strong message of solidarity to the Palestinian people from Ireland, having received great support from Dublin businesses and service providers, we are also working on a schedule for the Palestinian team and visiting delegation that will include cultural visits in what we hope will be an occasion to remember for all involved.”
You can find out more here.
