cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/55782219

UEFA are refusing to kick Israel out of the competition and forcing the decision to play, on to the Irish players. I think that they all need a little help to get the courage up. Which is ridiculous after their heavy Virtue signaling during the Infantino debacle.

I honestly believe that it will only take one Irish player to refuse to play, and the others should follow suit, putting the decision firmly on the shoulders of UEFA. But it needs a push

The belligerent, arrogant and presumptuous attitude from Israel is even more disgusting while the world knows what they are doing.

THE ARTICLE:

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson

The Israel FA has hit out at Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, insisting his recent comments embody "stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy".

Ireland open their Nations League campaign on Thursday against Kosovo in Pristina, while they will also host Austria at Aviva Stadium on 1 October in the third match of the extended four-game international window.

But since the Nations League draw was made in February, controversy has surrounded the two fixtures against Israel which will take place either side of the Austria match.

Ireland's 'away' game against the Israelis will take place on neutral ground in Debrecen, Hungary next Sunday, 27 September. A week later, the designated Irish 'home' match will be staged in Backa Topola, Serbia on 4 October.

However, calls for a boycott of the games have abounded amid the backdrop of ongoing events in Gaza.

Last September, an independent UN commission concluded that Israel has committed and continues to commit genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israeli authorities rejected the findings of the report.

During May's friendly win over Qatar, tennis balls were thrown onto the Aviva Stadium pitch at various intervals as part of ongoing protests by the 'Stop The Game' campaign.

A tennis ball protest took place during the friendly against Qatar in May

However, a motion in favour of proceeding with the fixtures was passed at an FAI EGM in July.

At last week's squad announcement, Hallgrimsson said the fact the players have accepted call-ups for the impending window is a sign of "team spirit" as he acknowledged that some individual players' are "uncomfortable" about the prospect of playing against Israel.

When asked about the difficulty of keeping his players focused on football ahead of the two highly contentious games against Israel, he said:

"I’ve said before, we’re not playing with genocide, we’re playing against genocide. We’re playing against Israel, we’re not playing with Israel."

While it has been reported the Israel FA are considering filing a complaint to Uefa over Hallgrimsson's comments, in a post on their official X account, they have publicly hit out at the Irish manager's comments.

We have contributed to the world and humanity in countless fields, earning an impressive number of Nobel Prizes along the way. Unfortunately, we have not yet found a cure for stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy displayed by @IrelandFootball team coach. We're not playing with… — ISRAEL FA (@ISRAELFA) September 21, 2026

"We have contributed to the world and humanity in countless fields, earning an impressive number of Nobel Prizes along the way. Unfortunately, we have not yet found a cure for stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy displayed by @IrelandFootball team coach. We’re not playing with ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity, We’re playing against the coach who embodies them."

The FAI declined to comment this evening to Israel's social media post, with Hallgrimsson likely to field questions on the topic at his Wednesday press conference ahead of the Kosovo game.

A group campaigners gathered outside the team's hotel in Dublin on Monday evening, urging the FAI to reverse its decision to proceed with the fixture.

'Stop the Game' protests have been taking place outside the Republic of Ireland team hotel this evening, calling for them not to fulfil Sunday's clash with Israel.

Anna Caplice, one of over 160 sporting signatories on a letter calling for the same, spoke to RTÉ Sport. pic.twitter.com/oVZe4F6cWK — RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) September 21, 2026 Over 160 Irish sportspeople have signed an open letter to the Irish senior men's national football team, urging them to "act collectively with conscience" and refuse to participate in their upcoming games against Israel.

The letter penned by the Irish Sport for Palestine Group calls on players to 'seize the moment' and boycott the Israel fixtures.

The letter also states the FAI, UEFA, and the government have failed the players and should never have put them in this position.

Continue Reading HERE

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.blahaj.zone/post/46381270

Hashem, a Gaza-born medical professional who obtained Ukrainian citizenship after nearly a decade living in the country, said the contrast in how Palestinians and Ukrainians are treated internationally has long been apparent.

“Travelling as a Ukrainian opens doors; travelling as a Palestinian closes them,” he said, describing the stark difference in freedom of movement, visa access and public sympathy attached to each of his identities.

“This is not a competition of suffering, but a question of principle. If human rights are truly universal, they cannot depend on nationality or passport,” said Hashem, who requested Al Jazeera withholds his surname.

Aaisha Aroggi, a 25-year-old student from Gaza City, was displaced 10 times in the first months of Israel’s war. She later made it to Egypt via the Rafah crossing, then to Ukraine, where she was granted residency because her brother was living and working in Kyiv.

Compared with the brutal conditions in Gaza, Kyiv felt like a safe haven at first, she said. But now, with constant Russian attacks on infrastructure, she feels she has gone from one place of destruction to another.

“War has the same face everywhere,” she said.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/49280853

Former CIA officer John Kuryaku exposes Israel's massive espionage against the US—nearly 187 spies identified by the FBI stealing nuclear and F-35 secrets. He alleges Israel had foreknowledge of 9/11 but withheld warnings, expecting US retaliation to benefit Israeli strategic interests. Kuryaku warns the CIA and Pentagon are now more aligned with Israeli interests than American sovereignty, with Israeli personnel being embedded directly into US military command under new NDAA provisions. He calls this a political power shift driven by AIPAC lobbying. He also condemns the extrajudicial killing of US citizen Anwar al-Awlaki and his 8-year-old daughter as unconstitutional. The interview suggests US policy is increasingly "occupied" by foreign influence, eroding democracy and strategic autonomy.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/46490544

A very comprehensive and well-sourced summary of where things are at. UK focus.

cross-posted from: https://piefed.world/c/photos/p/1052577/album-how-hypermilitarism-pervades-everyday-life-in-israel-officers-from-the-ashkelon-po

Magnet on a door in Jerusalem with official army symbols: “I will pursue my enemies and overtake them, and I will not return until they are destroyed"

"to be a spiritual (/intellectual) person in the materialist world"

a memorial-sticker for a slain soldier, pictured holding a mortar, one of thousands produced for Israeli soldiers killed in the past two and a half years

Street art in Terminal Park, Eilat. “Am Yisrael Chai” (“the people of Israel live”), alongside a blend of imagery referencing three recent military campaigs: the two swords, alluding to "Haravot Barzel" (Iron Swords), Israel’s multi-front campaign in Gaza, Lebanon, and beyond; and a roaring lion, referencing both "Am KeLavi" (A People Like a Lion), the June war with Iran, and "Sheagat Ha'ari" (Lion's Roar), its current war with Iran and Lebanon

"Wanted: fighter pilot. We are looking for the highest quality genes, maybe you’re the right fit."

A joint ad by B-MOM, a sperm bank, and Herzliya Medical Center, a private hospital in Israel

An Israeli version of Monopoly: the original “GO TO JAIL” square is replaced with “You received a call-up order, report to the [military] base!”; a “surprise” card reading: “for your reserve service, receive — 100 Israeli pounds (liras)”; another one reading “you received an early release from reserve duty. keep this card in case of another call-up”; and a third one, titled “command”: “you received a call-up order, report to the [military] base (you passed the starting point, you do not receive — 200 Israeli pounds).” Probably fairly old as the Israeli Pound (lira) was replaced by the shekel in 1980

Cancer Awareness Posters

"your health's defense forces, the unit for combating indifference. Early detection of breast cancer can save lives!". The triangle in the bottom left corner is the symbol that appears on military draft orders, but here the usual command ("Tzav shmone", reserve call-up) is replaced with "go get checked".

"instead of a (military) uniform, I'm wearing a hospital gown. Young cancer awareness week".

::: spoiler Capitalist militarism

In Israel, indoctrination into militarism often begins early in life, as part of a multilayered process involving the government, education system, municipalities, parents and extended family, the media, youth movements, and peers, preparing kids for their future as soldiers.

And it also appears in capitalist consumer culture: the free market recognizes that militarism and militaristic values sell, and repackages them in different forms. Sometimes, as in the case of these puzzles, militarism is the product itself. More often, however, its language and imagery are used to market entirely different things: from beer and insurance to bank accounts and real estate. More examples will follow in this series on capitalist militarism.

Puzzles in a department store in Israel, March 2024. One of the puzzles is titled “Loving the IDF, We <3 IDF” and features illustrations of saluting soldiers, warplanes, a tank, a battleship, and a helicopter dropping bombs alongside the Israeli flag. A promotional sign reads: “3 for 100 shekels. Loving the IDF, Saluting the Soldiers"

Another puzzle in the same department store, titled “IDF puzzle”

"You already stood out in the platoon, what's your next peak? open day on Zoom, University of Haifa" [Tel Aviv University train station]

"Selling a property? Buying a property? Scan to avoid mistakes. I'm currently in reserve duty but my team is here at your service" [bus station, Haifa]

"Huge 5 room apartments in Dimona"

"WE WILL WIN. Bank Hapoalim" (referencing Israel's official wartime slogan, "Together We Will Win") [train station in Tel Aviv] :::

::: spoiler What forms does desire take in a militarized society? 3 ads for an Israeli lube brand

:::

::: spoiler 4 Posters by Municipalities

"IDF week for Jerusalem youth"

"Teenagers today, commanders tomorrow. IDF Day in Bat Yam. combat soldiers panel | corps exhibition | service stations and more. *for 11th-12th grade students"

“The Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality is mobilizing for men and women reservists, active-duty soldiers, and their families. Full details on activities and benefits are available on the municipality’s website and app. Check it out now!”

“Thanks to the security, rescue and emergency forces” (right), “thanks to the men and women reservists" (left), "Haifa, thanks to the people" :::

Source: Militarized Realism on Instagram, via +972 Magazine.

Cross-Posted, via Photos Community.

I just found these photos of the schoolwork of 9-year-old Ritaj Rihan, who was shot in the head and killed by Israeli terrorist forces yesterday in a classroom tent in northern Gaza. One photo shows Ritaj’s practicing handwriting. The words on the page were orange, banana, and apple. برتقالة/موز/تفاحة

The other photo shows her solving subtraction problems. She was murdered in front of her teacher and peers, leaving behind only these unfinished lessons.

By Mosab Abu Toha.

Cross-Posted, via Photos Community.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/45636717

IDF soldier confesses happily killing Palestinian babies, claiming they’re “future threats.” An MSAD agent boasts that the world “belongs to the Jews,” declares Jewish superiority, and justifies the atrocities.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/45943840

https://chuffed.org/project/113222-tent-campaign-the-sameer-project

https://xcancel.com/sameerproject/status/2044164439373746427#m

Beit Lahia has been left behind. HELP: chuffed.org/project/113222-t… While aid flows to other areas, families here - especially widows and single mothers - are struggling alone with no support system.

This widow is caring for a baby with nothing. No partner, no income, no safety net. Just her and a child who needs clean clothes to survive.

On April 12, The Sameer Project distributed 100 baby onesies in Al-Salatin Camp, Beit Lahia. Each onesie cost 20 shekels - total $738 after 11% commission. We intentionally target Beit Lahia because no one else does.

These aren't luxuries. They're necessities for babies who deserve dignity, warmth, and basic care - even when the world has forgotten them.

Donate to our Shelter, Goods & Activities Campaign to help us reach more forgotten families in North Gaza.

Other ways to donate include: paypal.me/mahertali (Paypal option, please make sure to add a message saying "Goods") account.venmo.com/u/Maher-Al… (Venmo option, please make sure to add a message saying "Goods")