On a hot Saturday evening in Passaic County, New Jersey, around 60 young players gathered at Frank D Zaccaria Memorial Park to practice soccer. The session, close to the FIFA NY/NJ Stadium, provided these children a chance to chase their dreams and express themselves through the sport.
Taim Nadin, a participant in the practice, shared his passion: “Without soccer, the world has no meaning. If I didn’t play, I’d be nothing.” At only 13, Taim’s emotions resonate with his teammates at the Palestino Soccer Academy, a club for children of all backgrounds, primarily from the Palestinian-American community.
The academy was established three years ago by Coach Omar Abdulaziz. Initially, its purpose was to share Palestinian culture and help kids affected by the Gaza conflict. Coach Abdulaziz, who moved from the West Bank to Puerto Rico in the 1980s, understands their struggles. “Soccer offers a moment to disconnect and find peace, away from suffering,” he expressed.
Soccer’s role has grown more vital as the Palestinian national team couldn’t qualify for the 2026 World Cup. In Gaza, playing soccer has become nearly impossible. NPR reports that 90% of sports infrastructure in Gaza is destroyed, and 450 involved in soccer have died due to Israeli attacks. In response, the New Jersey kids idolize players like Lamine Yamal, a Spanish national team striker, whose actions and background resonate with them.
Yamal, the son of immigrants, took a stand against anti-Muslim chants and, after FC Barcelona won the La Liga championship, he waved a Palestinian flag. This moment went viral, encouraging players like 14-year-old Obaida Al Amleh. Obaida recalls the painful news about five family friends killed in an Israeli airstrike. Seeking solace, he joined friends on the soccer field, playing for hours to process his grief.
“You can cry on the pitch, or at home,” Obaida remarked. Soccer, he says, allows him to manage his emotions and find strength amid turmoil.