Jerusalem – Ramallah – For Palestinians, Morocco’s World Cup match against Canada was more than a sporting event; it became an occasion to express their deep affection and appreciation for the Kingdom of Morocco and its people.
Hours before kickoff, cafés and public squares across Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron, and other Palestinian cities filled with families and young people gathering to watch the match. Moroccan flags waved alongside Palestinian flags and portraits of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, while cheers for the Atlas Lions rang out with every attack and scoring chance, reflecting the deep fraternal ties between the two peoples.
In Ramallah, thousands of spectators gathered in a public square to watch the match on a giant screen amid an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. The event was attended by Major General Jibril Rajoub, President of the Palestinian Football Association, and members of the Moroccan Embassy accredited to Palestine.
As the match progressed, the atmosphere grew increasingly animated. Chants in support of Morocco were accompanied by expressions of the deep fraternal ties between the two peoples, reflecting Palestinian appreciation for Morocco’s steadfast support for their cause and for the solidarity consistently shown by Moroccan fans on the international stage.
Major General Jibril Rajoub, President of the Palestinian Football Association, described Morocco’s victory as a triumph for all Arabs. He congratulated the Kingdom of Morocco, its leadership, and its people, affirming that Palestinians shared in the joy of their Moroccan brothers and looked forward to seeing the Atlas Lions continue their journey toward the title.
He noted that the Moroccan national team had successfully overcome multiple obstacles and established itself among the world’s elite, describing its achievement as a reflection of Arab resolve and the aspiration to compete at the highest level..
Rajoub emphasized that Palestinians wherever they are, including in the Gaza Strip, closely followed the match and shared in the celebrations, a reflection of the deep-rooted ties of solidarity and brotherhood that unite the Palestinian and Moroccan peoples.
For his part, Al-Bireh Mayor Munif Tirawi dedicated the achievement to the Moroccan people, describing it as a moment of pride for all Arabs. He voiced hope that the Atlas Lions would continue their historic journey and claim the World Cup title.
Tirawi praised the remarkable atmosphere in Al-Bireh, noting the unprecedented crowds and celebrations that accompanied the match. He congratulated the Moroccan team on an achievement that inspired pride and joy across the Arab world.
The Moroccan community in Jerusalem organized a viewing event at Al-Quds Club in support of the national team, bringing together public figures, community leaders, and representatives of Jerusalemite institutions.
On this occasion, Jerusalem Affairs Minister Ashraf Al-Awar said that Morocco’s well-deserved victory had brought joy to the people of Jerusalem. He noted that the city had long celebrated Moroccan achievements and extended his congratulations to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Crown Prince, and the Moroccan people, expressing hope that the team would continue its successful campaign.
For his part, Nasser Qous, President of the African Community Association in Jerusalem, said the achievement was a source of pride for both Moroccans and Palestinians. He noted that the gathering underscored the strong ties between Jerusalem and Morocco and commended the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency, Al-Quds Club, and the Moroccan Association for their role in organizing the event.
For his part, Jamal Al-Maghribi, Custodian of the Moroccan Waqf in Jerusalem, said the victory was a source of immense pride and joy for both the Moroccan community and Jerusalemites. He noted that Moroccans in the Holy City remain committed to preserving their historic connection to Jerusalem and reinforcing Morocco’s longstanding presence there.
For his part, Diaa Shweiki, President of Hilal Al-Quds Club, said that Morocco’s achievement had brought joy to Palestinians, especially in Jerusalem, where ties with the Kingdom run deep. He added that the celebrations offered a moment of relief amid challenging circumstances and congratulated His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan government, and the Moroccan people, expressing hope for the team’s continued success.
As the final whistle blew, hundreds of people poured into the streets waving Palestinian and Moroccan flags and sounding their car horns in jubilant celebrations that underscored the strong emotional connection Palestinians felt to Morocco’s achievement
Supporter Laith Al-Barghouthi said Morocco’s qualification had given Palestinians rare moments of joy, emphasizing that the Atlas Lions’ achievement was a source of pride for all Arabs. He expressed hope that Morocco would continue its journey toward the World Cup title.
Hisham Al-Ajouli likewise said that Palestinians shared the joy of Morocco’s victory as deeply as Moroccans themselves, describing the achievement as a source of pride for the entire Arab nation and wishing the Atlas Lions continued success.
Another supporter, Mohammed Al-Tamimi, praised Morocco’s world-class performance and expressed hope that the team would go on to be crowned world champions, while conveying a message of affection and solidarity from the Palestinian people to the Moroccan people.
For her part, supporter Sima expressed her delight at the celebratory atmosphere in Ramallah and voiced hope that Morocco would maintain its impressive run and ultimately lift the FIFA World Cup trophy.
