Bohs release documentary on historic Palestine match

A powerful documentary made by PushPull Media on the historic first-ever visit of a Palestinian National Team to Europe as they played an international solidarity friendly against Bohemian FC last Wednesday has been released.

The sold-out match marked the 76th anniversary of Nakba and highlighted the human rights violations in occupied Palestine.

It was one of the most emotional and important games ever held at Dalymount Park in its long and storied history since 1901.

As well as raising over €100,000 for three Palestinian humanitarian organisations, and covering all costs to bring the Palestinian team to Dublin for five days, it was a huge show of solidarity and the power of sport to unite and uplift us.

This documentary captures this powerful emotion across the game and the whole visit, which included receptions at Áras an Uachtaráin and the Mansion House.

The film takes on an ever greater relevance given today’s announcement by the Irish government finally formally recognise the State of Palestine.

Filmmaker Jamie Goldrick of PushPull Media said “it was a real privilege to travel with the Palestinian team for the week and document this historic trip. Everything came together on the night; the weather, the football on display and, most importantly, the solidarity and love that was present in Dalymount Park.

“I hope as filmmakers that we were successful in capturing the energy that was present in the Stadium that night. People can be cynical and ask what a small country like Ireland can do, but to chat to the players and to see the impact of thousands shouting Free Palestine is a memory that they can take home, and let other Palestinians know that they are seen and heard.”

“It was beautiful and overwhelming – this is where the seeds of optimism and hope are sown, this should not be overlooked.”

Bohemians Chief Operating Officer Daniel Lambert said “the game in Dalymount was the most emotional sporting event most in attendance will ever have witnessed, and it sent a strong message of solidarity to the Palestinian people from Ireland.”

“What Jamie and the team at PushPull have managed to do is capture that feeling right across the whole visit and demonstrate the huge positive force that football can be. Well done to them and indeed to our club staff, volunteers and the many others who helped make this possible.”