In the heart of the Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem, Lajee Celtic’s football pitch stands as a poignant symbol of resistance against the backdrop of Israeli watchtowers and the separation wall. Established in 2016 through collaboration between the Lajee Center and Glasgow Celtic’s Green Brigade, the club goes beyond sports, serving as a platform to build unity and relationships among Palestinians.
Since the commencement of Israel’s recent offensive on Gaza on October 7, the club’s activities have been abruptly halted due to escalated violence across the occupied West Bank. The director of the Lajee cultural center, Mohammad Azzeh, emphasizes the team’s role in resisting the Israeli occupation, providing a sense of unity sorely missed amidst the challenging circumstances.
Celtic’s fanbase, known for its strong Irish nationalist identity, has consistently expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause. In 2016, fans displayed Palestinian flags during a UEFA Champions League game against Israeli club Hapoel Be’er Sheva, leading to a fine that was more than matched by the Green Brigade’s “Match the Fine for Palestine” campaign. The surplus funds were donated to the Medical Aid for Palestinians charity and the Lajee Center, fostering a lasting connection between Celtic and Palestine.
While Lajee Celtic aspires to join the Palestinian Premier League and carry the Palestinian struggle internationally through football, bureaucratic hurdles and the ongoing war have delayed their plans. The club’s academy, involving around 80 boys from various Palestinian areas, aims to provide a platform for anyone in Bethlehem to join.
Director Mohammad Azzeh, who has lived in the Aida camp his entire life, reflects on the challenges faced by the club, including Israeli military raids and the firing of tear gas. However, the recent surge in violence since October 7 has further disrupted their activities, with a Lajee Celtic coach held under “administrative detention” without charge or trial.
As professional football grinds to a halt across Palestine and Israel, Azzeh faces the difficult decision of suspending Lajee Celtic’s activities to protect the children and staff from potential attacks by Israeli forces. The current perilous situation in the West Bank, marked by settler attacks and restrictions on movement, underscores the broader impact of the conflict on daily life.
Azzeh concludes, “The moment you see kids in Gaza being killed, you don’t have the mood to continue doing the normal project and activities as nothing is happening. [Although] we cannot compare what is happening in the West Bank with Gaza – we feel useless for our families and friends in Gaza.”
