TANGERANG, JAKTIMES.COM – The arrival of the Palestine national football team was welcomed by the presence of hundreds of supporters and masses from the Aqsa Working Group (AWG), who crowded Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
The Palestine national team delegation, consisting of 26 players and 13 officials and coaches, arrived at around 9:30 PM and was greeted with flower garlands by AWG Presidium M Anshorullah. They were also welcomed with chants and banners showing solidarity with Palestine from the AWG supporters and masses.
The Palestine national team will face the host, Indonesia, in a FIFA Matchday friendly match on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya. Currently, Indonesia is ranked 149th by FIFA, while Palestine is ranked 93rd.
The Palestine national team is coached by Makram Daboub, with midfielder Mohammed Rashid, who was previously part of Persib Bandung from 2021 to 2022, strengthening the team.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has prepared that 10 percent of the ticket sales revenue will be used for the independence of the Palestinian people.
AWG Presidium M Anshorullah expressed that as a humanitarian institution and a unifying platform for the Palestinian struggle, AWG welcomes the friendly match between Indonesia and Palestine.
According to him, besides being a sports event, this friendly match is a manifestation of Indonesia’s enduring commitment to defend and support the Palestinian people in their struggle for independence.
Anshorullah also expressed appreciation to the Government, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and PSSI for organizing this friendly match.
“AWG’s presence at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to welcome the arrival of the Palestine national team in Indonesia is an expression of love for the Palestinian people, who have tirelessly and even suffered to defend and protect Al-Aqsa Mosque,” he said.
“Thank you to the Ambassador of Palestine to Indonesia, HE. Zuhair Alshun, for the invitation. This is an honor for AWG. Welcome to the Palestine national team in Indonesia,” added Anshorullah.
The Ambassador of Palestine to Indonesia, Zuhair Al-Shun, expressed his appreciation to Indonesia for providing the opportunity for the friendly match. Furthermore, Indonesia holds a special place in the hearts of the Palestinian people.
“I appreciate the Chairman of PSSI, who has provided a lot of assistance. Erick Thohir is a true friend of Palestine,” said Ambassador Al-Shun.
The Aqsa Working Group (AWG) is an institution established to accommodate and manage the efforts of Muslims for the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
AWG was formed to accommodate and manage the efforts of Muslims for the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque and to support the struggle of the Palestinian people.
AWG was founded by Muslim community members who attended the Al-Aqsha International Conference held at Wisma Antara on August 21, 2008, in Jakarta (Marwan Azis)
