The students of Qatar Academy Doha demonstrated the power of community-driven initiatives with the ‘Stand with Palestine’ campaign which raised about QR20m for humanitarian and relief work for Palestinians in Gaza. The mega fundraising event which took place at the Education City Stadium on Friday showcased the spirit of generosity, bringing together over 27,000 people for a charity football match that exceeded expectations.
Led by the students of Qatar Academy Doha, the initiative was aimed at harnessing the collective strength of the local community to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine. A number of dignitaries, including Minister of Sports and Youth H E Salah bin Ghanim Al Ali and Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, also joined the initiative, highlighting the broad support for this noble cause. The initiative saw a diverse array of events, activities, and performances. Kicking off with a captivating musical act centred around a Palestinian theme, acclaimed artistes Nasser Al Kubaisi, Dana Al Meer, Nesma Emad, and Hala Al Imadi set the stage alive. The festivities continued with a mesmerising display of illuminated drones, adding a modern flair to the celebration.
The football match, a central component of the event, featured a captivating showdown between two teams, named after Qatar and Palestine, and featured Qatar Academy Doha students, local and international players, media personalities and social media influencers. The collective effort resulted in an entertaining game that not only captivated the audience but also emphasised the significance of unity in addressing humanitarian crises. The match ended in a 2-2 draw at regulation time, leading to a thrilling penalty shootout which ended 4-3 in favour of the Palestine team.
To add an extra element of excitement, prize draws were conducted during the halftime of a thrilling match. The initiative unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of cultural and entertaining moments, creating an engaging experience for all participants. What sets this initiative apart is not just the impressive amount of funds raised but the approach taken by the organisers towards helping the people suffering from an ordeal due to brutal Israeli aggression.
Over 100 students from QAD volunteered at the event under the supervision of school teachers. The Asian Football Confederation provided the volunteers with training, like the one received by World Cup volunteers. Amid all the chaos, the ‘Stand with Palestine’ initiative serves as a beacon of hope for the Palestinians, reminding the world the value of humanity and the power of collective action and compassion.
