In a fantastic unified show of support for the people of Gaza, and particularly young girls and boys who continue to be robbed of their childhood due to the ongoing conflict, a charity football match organised by Nujum Sports is set to take place next month. [1]
The line-up is expected to star top current and former European players, including Robin van Persie, former Manchester United striker and all-time top scorer for the Dutch national squad; Sam Morsy, Ipswich Town captain and midfielder; Emile Heskey, former Liverpool, Leicester City, and Aston Villa striker; and many more big names. [2]
In addition, players from the Scottish Premiership, Championship, Leagues 1 and 2, as well as Turkish, Algerian, and other leagues will be on the field. [2]
The latest situation in Gaza
Since early October 2023, Israel has been engaged in an extensive military campaign in Gaza, on a level that is completely incomparable in recent history. [3]
To date, approximately 34,600 deaths have been confirmed, with the overwhelming majority — well in excess of 70 per cent according to many reports — of these comprising women and children. [4]
In fact, just in the past day, the Gaza Health Ministry noted,
“At least 28 Palestinians were killed and 51 others injured in Israeli attacks in the last 24 hours.
“Many people are still trapped under rubble and on the roads as rescuers are unable to reach them.” [4]
Nujum Sports making significant inroads
Since June 2021, the British non-profit Nujum Sports has been making great progress in its drive to enhance participatory conditions for Muslims in sport.
Founded and led by Ebadur Rahman, it already has a number of wins under its belt, with the crowning achievement the Muslim Athlete Charter, which sets out key milestones for clubs and organisations to adhere to, in making for a more inclusive environment for Muslim athletes. [5]
To date, over 80 professional sporting organisations and bodies have signed up to the framework, with the likes of Aston Villa, the Football Association of Wales (FAW), the England Cricket Board (ECB), and others providing their backing. [6]
In early March 2024, the organisation secured an agreement with Goals Football to open prayer rooms in all 43 sites in England and Scotland. [6]
Moreover, thanks to its efforts, Manchester City became the first Premier League club to host Friday prayers in February 2023. Others have followed suit since. [7]
With Palestine always being in the hearts and minds of British Muslims — even more so during this appalling conflict — it is positive to see that Muslim organisations are raising their voices and profiles in order to shed light on the disastrous situation.
More information on the event
With the final details of the event being ironed out, the venue is to be confirmed once tickets go live, but the match is set to take place in London on Saturday, 1 June 2024. [1]
The game will be between Nujum Sports’ XI and the El Ghazi squad — named after the Dutch player Anwar El Ghazi, who formerly played at Villa, PSV, and Ajax. [2]
The organisers have told Islam21c that kick-off will be at 15:00, with the well-established charity Islamic Relief supporting Nujum Sports in this project.
Analysis
ANALYSIS
This is another example of fine work from Nujum Sports, who continue to make an impact and demonstrate their abilities — with an impressive line-up of current and former players taking part.
This should be an inspiration for us all: to think of new and innovative means to support the people of Gaza in any way we can. If we do not have the means to, we should support initiatives like this that do.
Islam21c is also actively running a campaign with our own charity partner — Mercy to Humanity. You can make an impact via a donation here.
I hope and pray that these causes are all successful, and that this awe-inspiring story leads to more crucial activism to aid the cause of Palestine and beyond.
Also read
- Knowing freedom in light of Palestine
- Gaza after 200 days of relentless assault
- FA must act with fairness on Palestine and Israel
- Puma to give Israeli national football team the boot
- Nujum Sports scores big as Goals to open prayer rooms
- Man City first Premier League club to hold Friday prayers
Source: Islam21c
Notes
[1] https://childrenofgaza.co.uk/
[2] https://childrenofgaza.co.uk/line-up/
[3] https://www.islam21c.com/politics/israel-declares-war-gaza-call-for-muslim-unity-and-action/
[5] https://nujumsports.co.uk/muslim-athlete-charter/
[6] https://www.islam21c.com/news/nujum-sports-goals-to-open-prayer-rooms/
[7] https://www.islam21c.com/news/man-city-premier-league-jumuah-nujum-friday-prayer/
This is wonderful. I follow the German league and it’s terrible how hypocritical they’ve been regarding Palestine. I’ve been wanting to do something in relation to raising awareness on Palestine via sport.
Is there any way us outside the UK could be of help? In terms of fundraising or raising awareness?
We really appreciate you taking the time to comment.
In terms of helping from outside the UK, I would suggest checking out the event website, as there is a contact page where you may reach out directly to the organisers.
JazakAllahu Khairan