“To see them dance, to hear them sing so freely—without a care in the world—knowing full well the unimaginable trauma, pain, and fear they live with every single day. It broke something in me”
AS the world looks on in horror at the genocide unfolding in Gaza, attention has been distracted away from the West Bank.
It’s here Palestinians face daily attacks from Israeli troops and settlers. They are illegally evicted and must watch as their homes are then bulldozed, the land on which they stood stolen and built on by settlers.
Refugee camps are routinely raided with residents prevented from returning to their homes.
Since Benjamin Netanyahu launched his war in Gaza in October 2023, the UN says 945 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank and many more wounded or severely burned.
Amid the darkness, one light of hope has been Palestine GAA, and since the club was started last year, dozens of children have taken hurling to their hearts.
Such was their progress and enthusiasm, a tour of Ireland was organised for this summer but at the 11th hour, the Government refused to issue visas.
Now some of those young hurlers have spoken to the Irish Mirror about the horrors of the lives under Israeli occupation, their love of hurling and their deep gratitude to the Irish people.
For fear of reprisals, we are not using their real names.
Khalid, 16
“Our life in the West Bank is full of raids by the occupation forces. I am a resident of a refugee camp.
“They displaced us from our homes seven months ago, demolished our homes, bombed our buildings, and destroyed the camp streets.
“I was following football when I learned that I would be going outside Palestine to play hurling.
“I watched some matches on the phone to learn how to play.
“Supervisor Rachid trained me; when I met him, I improved more and more.
“We thank everyone who contributes to the Palestinian people. You, the Irish people, are a great people.
“I watched some matches and learned a move from one of the players.
“We must continue playing more to reach Ireland and achieve our dreams. My family encourages me and always prays for my success.”
Yousef, 15
“We used to go to a field near the camp and we used to play football. We used to enjoy it, but suddenly while we were playing we found the army on the street in front of us, but we did not pay attention.
“We were playing and when they withdrew they used to release tear gas that caused suffocation and we used to run away from them. Our game before the hurley was football.
“It is a very heartwarming feeling when I hear people supporting us.
“All respect and appreciation to you. We love the Irish people. I hope to meet you in Ireland.”
Tipperary fan Mo, 15
“We celebrated their victory and had a lot of fun. We follow and watch the hurling games. All support and thanks to the team founders and coaches.
“I want to achieve my dream and become a professional hurley trainer and play in championships.
“My uncle’s relatives are in the Gaza Strip, along with his sons, and they are in a very bad condition.”
Claire Liddy, a GAA officer in Palestine, has worked with the lads and has set up training camps in Palestine.
The Co Clare woman said: “When I think about what just one day in their lives looks like – what it really entails – I’m overwhelmed.
“What strikes me most is how they carry themselves: with pride, resilience, and a quiet strength that’s hard to put into word. Not once did they complain. Instead, they greeted us—and everyone else—with generosity, warmth, and deep respect.
“These boys are, without a doubt, the most extraordinary group of children I’ve ever had the honour of spending time with.
“Imagine being with 32 kids from early morning until late at night.
“To see them dance, to hear them sing so freely—without a care in the world—knowing full well the unimaginable trauma, pain, and fear they live with every single day… it broke something in me.
“Because that joy you see, that freedom in their movements, exists side by side with a harsh reality.
“It’s heartbreaking. But more than that—it’s infuriating that this is being allowed to happen.
“That children—these beautiful, brave children—and their families, who ask for nothing more than a chance at a normal life, must endure this brutality, oppression, apartheid and displacement.
“I have nothing but the deepest love, respect, and admiration for each and every one of them.”
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