Why Football?

In addition to decades of occupation, an ongoing brutal siege and blockade, and the continued after-effects of a violent struggle between political factions, Gazan society still bears the scars a savage December 2008 military assault. The captive population of 1.5 million people face a grim and grinding daily fight to prevent social collapse and cultural extinction. From the offices of the governors to the many NGO’s operating in Gaza, organizations and individuals are making it a priority to heal the wounds of their society and strengthen bonds between people.

The Rachel Corrie Football Tournament is a grassroots response to the situation, conceived by citizens in Rafah as a way to promote healing within their own community by providing a wholesome activity for young and old, particularly during the Ramadan season. The tournament is a safe place for the people of the local neighborhoods to gather. It provides a month-long community event that transcends factional identities and allows neighbors to come together as friends–as Palestinians.

Why The Name Rachel Corrie ?

The tournament development team in Rafah chose the name “Rachel Corrie Soccer Tournament”:

“Rachel came among us and joined us in our struggle for justice as Palestinians; she did not think in terms of this faction or that faction. In the spirit of Rachel Corrie we hope to provide more than an event, but also a place for all the people of Rafah, regardless of faction. This tournament will provide a place for all community members–especially the heavily affected youth population in Rafah–to participate as Palestinians. It is truly a place to re-invigorate community.”

- Khaled Nasrallah and Adan Abu Al Sa’ud,

Co-Organizers, Rachel Corrie Soccer Tournament