The Palestinian boys‘ team, Rawahel Charity Society, made headlines during the recent Gothia Cup for breaking attendance records at each match they played. Aftonbladet was present at the round of 16 match last Thursday, where the team’s leader, Rami Abu Nasser, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to compete in a safe environment for the first time.
Many supporters gathered at Bravida Arena in Gothenburg last week to cheer on the Palestinian Rawahel Charity Society during their matches. This team is part of a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to developing football skills among Palestinian children, particularly those from the war-torn region of Tulkarem in the West Bank.
Most of the players hail from refugee camps and have experienced the harsh realities of war back home. Despite their success on the field, Rami Abu Nasser acknowledges that it’s challenging for the players not to think about the ongoing conflicts in their homeland, with drones, tanks, and military presence a constant threat.
In this year’s Gothia Cup, which featured 1,911 participating teams from 74 different countries, Rawahel Charity Society stood out not only for their performance but also for the overwhelming support they received from the spectators. It took the team two days to travel to Gothenburg, where they consistently broke attendance records match after match.
Rami Abu Nasser expressed his astonishment at the outpouring of support, stating, „We were shocked as soon as we arrived in Sweden, to see a group of people with us at every match. I want to thank all those who supported us.“ However, as the cheers of the crowd fade away, the team faces the harsh reality of returning to their troubled homeland.
The experience of playing in the Gothia Cup has been transformative for the boys, as it was their first time participating in a tournament in a secure environment. Rami Abu Nasser described the tournament week as the „best ever“ for the boys, and they now look forward to competing in two other tournaments in Norway and Denmark.
Despite the challenges they face back home, the boys of Rawahel Charity Society are determined to continue pursuing their passion for football and representing their community on an international stage. The support they have received in Sweden has left a lasting impact on them, and they hope to inspire others with their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.