“The dream starts here, from this field. If the field disappears, so will the dream.”
In November, Israeli forces left a note at a Palestinian football field in the occupied West Bank, threatening to demolish it.
The field is in Aida refugee camp, near Bethlehem, and is a hub for the Aida Youth Center, which has 150 people – mostly children – in its Football Academy. In a crowded refugee camp, it’s one of the few areas young Palestinians have to play.
In December, Israeli forces announced field had to be demolished. The youth center was ordered to tear apart their own pitch or watch Israel do it – and be forced to pay for its destruction.
Organizers of the youth center began a campaign to save the field. It quickly picked up steam as public figures began to back them up, including online children’s educator Ms. Rachel, former football star Éric Cantona, musician Brian Eno and more. Football governing bodies FIFA and UEFA were pressured to get involved.
Israel is reported to have halted the demolition, but the Aida Youth Center says it is still awaiting official confirmation from the Israeli court, the military or a legal representative from the country.
