Dutch-Moroccan Footballer Anwar El Ghazi Pledges €500K to Aid Gaza Children

Monday 26 August 2024 - 13:44

In a remarkable act of philanthropy, Dutch-Moroccan footballer Anwar El Ghazi has announced his intention to donate €500,000 ($560,000) to support the children of Gaza. This substantial sum represents one-third of the payout he received from Bundesliga club Mainz 05, following a protracted legal battle.

The 29-year-old winger made the announcement via a post on X, expressing gratitude towards Mainz while highlighting the broader impact of his donation. "I would like to take this moment to thank Mainz for two things," El Ghazi wrote. "Firstly, for the substantial financial pay-off, 500k of which will be used to fund projects for the children in Gaza."

El Ghazi's contract with Mainz was terminated in November 2023 after he was suspended for sharing social media posts in support of Palestinians. These posts included the phrase "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be liberated," a slogan that refers to the area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, encompassing Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.

In July, the Mainz Labor Court ruled that El Ghazi's dismissal was invalid, citing freedom of expression as the basis for their decision. The court ordered Mainz to pay El Ghazi’s wages for the past nine months, totaling €1.7 million, and to reinstate him. According to El Ghazi, he has received a payment of €1.5 million from the club relating to his dismissal. Mainz confirmed the payment but plans to appeal the ruling after receiving the written judgment.

Reflecting on the court’s decision, El Ghazi added, "Secondly, in attempting to silence me, (they are) making my voice even louder for the oppressed and voiceless in Gaza."

El Ghazi, who has played for notable clubs such as Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, Lille, Aston Villa, and Everton, recently signed a one-year contract with Championship side Cardiff City as a free agent in August.

The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) have caused significant devastation in Gaza, displacing a vast majority of its inhabitants and resulting in the deaths of at least 40,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities. The international community has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and justice for the war crimes committed.

El Ghazi's donation underscores his commitment to humanitarian causes and his determination to use his platform to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by conflict. His actions serve as a powerful reminder of the role that athletes can play in advocating for social justice and supporting communities in need.