A group of Palestinian-American kids in New Jersey's Passaic County have found solace and inspiration in soccer, which has become an escape from the trauma and suffering in the Middle East. The youth club, Palestino Soccer Academy, was founded to teach about soccer in Palestinian culture and address the impact of the Gaza conflict on local youth. Through soccer, the players have found a way to detach from the suffering and focus on the present moment, often finding comfort in the sportsmanship and solidarity of international players like Lamine Yamal.
Original Article Source Link:
https://www.npr.org/2026/06/20/nx-s1-5854466/palestinian-american-kids-find-inspiration-and-escape-on-the-soccer-pitch