A decade of Lajee Celtic: The Palestinian club whose fans include Cantona

Almost 200 individuals attended a gathering at a small Lebanese bakery in London to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of Lajee Celtic, a grassroots sports club established in a Palestinian refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. What started as a football project has evolved into an international symbol of solidarity. The London venue was adorned with Palestinian flags, the scent of freshly baked manousheh, and Lajee Celtic shirts worn by celebrities like football legend Eric Cantona and actor Hannah Einbinder.

Martin, a Lajee Celtic organizer, journeyed from Glasgow for the celebration in September, recounting his initial visit to Aida Camp in the occupied West Bank over a decade ago as a transformative experience. He emphasized the club's unique foundation, Irish identity, diaspora community support, universal appeal, and shared values that have contributed to its success.

The connection between Aida Camp, where Lajee is based, and Celtic supporters blossomed over time. Mohammed al-Azzeh, director of the Lajee Centre, explained how the relationship began with friendships forged by Scottish and Irish visitors to Palestine, leading to conversations about creating a football academy in 2012. By 2015, the idea took shape when camp footballers traveled to Belfast for a game, culminating in the 2016 Champions League draw against Israeli side Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

Celtic fans ignored warnings about displaying Palestinian flags, leading UEFA to impose a fine. In response, the Green Brigade launched the Match The Fine For Palestine campaign, refusing to pay the fine and instead supporting Palestinian organizations, including the establishment of a football academy in Aida Camp. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Lajee Celtic's growth.

The club has brought together young Palestinians from various backgrounds, emphasizing unity beyond the sport of football. The club, which faced challenges due to Israel's genocidal war in Gaza, has entered the Thousand Martyrs Cup, named after the 1,014 athletes killed in Gaza since October 2023. Bassil Mikdadi, journalist and founder of Football Palestine, highlighted the club's significance, stating that it serves as a blueprint for European clubs to directly support those on the ground in Palestine.

For Martin, the club's popular shirts represent tangible solidarity actions taken by supporters worldwide, creating a cross-cultural and cross-border connection.