This was posted by UGEP (General Union of Palestinian Students) in response to the recent Israeli-Gaza clashes.
The UGEP is a pro-Palestinian group, particularly activist in Chile.
Palestinians in Chile are usually quite Westernized and Christian. I doubt that many of them fully realize how oppressive the Muslim world can be. This is more of an ethnic US vs THEM reaction.
More on the Centennial of the Palestino Soccer Club in Chile.
Some Israelis try to deny the existence of a Palestinian identity/nationality.
How do they explain that this club was started in 1920 by immigrants and the sons of immigrants to Chile?
I am actually in favor of Israel, but to deny the existence of a Palestinian people is not helpful. The reason the conflict is so vicious is precisely because a Palestinian people do exist.
Felicitations to [Sports Club] Palestino upon 100 years from its foundation, the celebration of 100 years of historic sport, compromising an identity representing our people in the diaspora.
We are a singular people with teams that have the same name and flag.
My regards, though you, to all the family of Palestine, the Palestinian community of Chile, Latin America, and the rest of the world. We are very proud of your achievements at the national and international level. We hope that soon you will be able to play in Holy Jerusalem, the capital of the state of Palestine, and that you will continue to bring joy and pride to our people.
Mohammed Abbas
President of the State of Palestine
The opinions of the letter belong to President Abbas, and are not mine.
Whether or not you think that Palestinians are a real people or an “invented” one, they obviously consider themselves a nationality — and so do Palestinian-Chileans.
Mohammed Abbas, the dictator of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah, sent a letter of congratulation to CD (Club Deportivo/Sports Club) Palestino on the occasion of their 100th anniversary.
CD Palestino has an international following, not only in Chile, but also in the Mideast. They are a phenomenom.
This is a big deal among Palestinians in Chile and Latin America, especially Chile.
PS: You can use the Settings (the gear) to get English translations.
