In New York's Bay Ridge neighborhood, dubbed 'Little Palestine,' Arab American residents are rallying behind Spain for the FIFA World Cup final. Zein Rimawi, 72, chair of the Arab American Federation, told Al Jazeera that football cannot be separated from politics: 'I support countries that support our causes, especially the Palestinian cause.'

Rimawi cited Spain's 2024 recognition of the State of Palestine and its vocal criticism of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza as reasons for his support. 'I didn't know who Hossam Hassan was, but when he raised the Palestinian flag, I instantly became a fan,' he added.

At Al Reef Bakery, Talal Abdraboh echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Spain's stance on Palestine and centuries of Arab presence in Andalusia. 'If any non-Arab team were facing Spain, we would support Spain,' he said. The bakery features murals of the Dome of the Rock and Palestinian imagery.

Mahmoud Kasem, owner of Al-Aqsa Bakery, installed a large TV screen and gave out free falafel during Arab teams' matches. 'The beauty is seeing Palestinians, Lebanese, Moroccans, Jordanians all together. I love unity,' he said. Kasem praised the Spanish government's positions on Palestine and Lebanon: 'They stand with humanity.'

Kasem criticized FIFA for politicizing the sport, citing its Peace Prize to Donald Trump and suspension of Russia over Ukraine while not banning Israel for the Gaza genocide. Some fans link Argentina to Israel due to President Javier Milei's pro-Israel policies, but others, like barber Karim Bouzeraa, 24, argue Messi's magic transcends politics. 'At the end of the day, we are all Arabs – one blood,' he said.

Source: www.aljazeera.com