The circle of protest against Israel's aggressive policies toward the Palestinians is widening in Europe. The war of extermination, forced displacement, and settlement waged by Netanyahu's government has pushed major European countries to adopt firmer positions. The French president's speech at the United Nations was an example of this tangible shift. Britain went further, with measures banning the import of products from illegal settlements. On top of that, it adopted a new, sharply worded political discourse toward the conduct of Israel's extremist government, one that is clearer and firmer in support of the Palestinian people's legitimate rights. The tone of the British foreign secretary in his latest appearance was unprecedented in its sharpness and courage.
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In Germany, positions rejecting Israeli policies have had a tangible effect on the results of parties contesting state elections. Among the reasons that have forced those parties to develop their positions on the policies of Netanyahu's government is the influential presence of Arab and Muslim voters. In the state of Berlin, about 51% of Arabs and Muslims voted for candidates of Germany's Left Party, which won the most votes and concluded its celebratory rally with chants in support of the Palestinian people.
In the Republic of Ireland, historically known for its strong support for the rights of the Palestinian people and its opposition to Israeli policy toward them, we have witnessed a new form of support for the Palestinians and protest against the criminal actions of Netanyahu's government. This time, it took place on football pitches.
The Irish national football team, to the misfortune of its Israeli counterpart, was drawn in the same group in the European Nations League qualifiers. The Irish coach appeared at a press conference extremely embarrassed and regretful at having to play the Israeli team at all. He said an eloquent phrase that sums up the philosophy of boycotting Israel: "We play against Israel, not with them." Refusing the match would have meant Ireland losing the chance to advance to later rounds of the tournament. It would also have turned into a victory for the footballing-weak Israeli team and a political defeat for Ireland.
The Irish decided to play the match and turn it into a global occasion to express their solidarity with the Palestinian cause and to denounce Zionist crimes. It was truly a brave and innovative idea.
The team took the field, and the Irish players did not shake hands with their Israeli counterparts. When their anthem was played, the players made a point of standing with heads bowed in solidarity with the Palestinians, and each player wore a black armband on his arm as an expression of protest against Israeli crimes and the war of extermination in Gaza.
They played the match as if they were the only team on the pitch and won by three goals to nil, without allowing the Israeli team to soil their goal with even a single goal.
The Irish won the match and also scored a crushing political victory over the Israelis. For ninety minutes they kept them facing the consequences of their shameful crimes in Palestine, with a large crowd behind them that did not spare the Israeli team its chants.
Frankly, I find in the Irish way of boycotting through confrontation an approach worth considering as an alternative to withdrawing from facing the Israelis in sporting tournaments.
No occasion should be missed to confront the criminals with the reality of their actions, in a way that leaves a direct and personal impact on every one of them who supports or justifies such crimes.
I felt that the harshest response to the behavior of the terrorist Ben-Gvir toward Palestinian prisoners in their cells was what the brave Irish players did when they faced the Israeli team on the pitch, reminding them every minute of the match of the reality of the pariah and detested Israel they represent.
