Chilean football club Club Deportivo Palestino has become a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian cause as thousands of fans in their red, white, black, and green-coloured jerseys raise their arms high, denouncing Israel’s war on Gaza. Despite the players having Spanish names, they are deeply connected to their Palestinian roots, with the club serving as a link between Chile’s large Palestinian community and their ancestral homeland.
As the conflict in Gaza escalates, the club has become a beacon of Palestinian identity, unapologetically displaying pro-Palestinian politics on and off the field. While facing fines for their political statements, the players maintain their fierce pride in their heritage.
Club Palestino’s influence extends beyond Chile, with supporters in the Middle East and worldwide. Despite its small size, the club is one of the most followed football clubs in Chile on social media.
The recent war in Gaza has directly impacted Palestino, shutting down their training school in Gaza and disrupting programmes in the West Bank. However, the conflict has also galvanized players and fans, leading to displays of solidarity before matches, such as holding antiwar banners and taking a knee.
In a poignant gesture, the team recently abandoned their traditional pre-match ritual to honor the “invisible children” killed in Gaza, further solidifying their commitment to the Palestinian cause. The club’s unwavering support for Palestine continues to garner immense support, both in Chile and around the world.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com