DOHA, (PIC)
The 2023 Asian Cup, hosted by Qatar, witnesses a notable presence of Palestine, especially considering the ongoing aggression in the Gaza Strip that has lasted for over 100 days, resulting in tens of thousands of martyrs, injuries, and missing individuals, leading to a humanitarian tragedy.
The Palestinian flag has prominently featured in the tournament’s stadiums and accompanying events, along with expressions of support and solidarity with Gaza. In the “Lusail Boulevard” tourist area, there was a solidarity stand by the fans of the “Fedayee” (Palestinian national team) and several participating teams, invited by the “Palestinian Dream” campaign.
During this stand, coinciding with international activism in around 60 cities worldwide, participants chanted for Palestine, called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, waved Palestinian flags, and gathered at the “Palestine on Lusail” corner near the iconic Lusail Stadium, which hosted the final of the last World Cup and is hosting the current tournament’s final.
Palestinian Dream
Under the slogan “Palestinian Dream,” an awareness and field campaign was launched for the first time with the start of the World Cup in Qatar. It aims to use global sports events to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause among fans from all around the world.
“Palestinian Dream” returned to initiate a series of activities, events, and invitations during the current tournament, which continues until February 10. The campaign invited tournament fans to raise banners in the stands carrying slogans such as “Stop the Aggression” and “Freedom for Palestine”.
In addition to the stand at “Lusail Boulevard,” activists in the campaign raised a giant Palestinian flag during the match between the “Fedayee” and the Iranian team at the Mondial City Educational Stadium, bearing the inscription “Freedom for Palestine” in English.
According to the campaign’s media official, Ahmed Al-Qurawi, their activities during this tournament come in an exceptional circumstance that requires every possible action to expose the genocidal war conducted by Israel and contributes to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Speaking to Al Jazeera Net, Al-Qurawi said, “Our work is an extension of the support shown by Qatar through various forms during the tournament, including giant screens adorned with the Palestinian flag, reminding people of Gaza’s tragedy.” He added, “We see positive interaction and solidarity from people around the world with Palestine, and our task is to continue reminding them of what is happening and urging everyone to work to stop the massacres.”
Supporting Gaza
Fadi Muslim, one of the campaign organizers, stated that their activity during the tournament revolves around the central question, “How can we support Gaza in the Asian Cup?” He pointed out that the campaign’s actions and invitations vary from on-field activities such as raising the Palestinian flag and wearing kufiyas to chanting for Gaza during the matches and displaying banners calling for an end to the war and freedom for Palestine.
Muslim added that the other crucial form of action required in the streets and tournament corridors is to continue the boycott of goods supporting the Israeli occupation. This is in addition to engaging with fans from different countries, clarifying the nature of the Palestinian story, and what is happening in Gaza.
Muslim highlighted the importance of digital coverage, stating that “the campaign attracts dozens of influencers and public figures to support its ideas, activities, and messages.”
The campaign intensifies media dissemination, including messages from citizens in Arab and Asian countries directed towards Gaza, aiming, according to its organizers, to “show the magnitude of the popular support for Gaza and Palestinian resistance, and how the ‘Tide of Al-Aqsa’ thwarted all normalization scenarios and ambitions.”
The Asian Cup features 51 matches held in 9 stadiums, including 7 Mondial stadiums that hosted matches in the last World Cup, won by Argentina. The tournament includes 24 participating teams, including 10 Arab teams.
