The humanitarian aid flotilla to Gaza is a serious mission with one unusual detail: Greta Thunberg wearing a jersey from the Dublin football club Bohemians.
The Swedish activist first wore the pale blue shirt during a flotilla in June and again this week as boats prepared to depart from Barcelona. But the jersey isn’t about football or club support—it’s a limited edition shirt designed to raise funds and show solidarity with Gaza.
Bohemians, often called Bohs, teamed up with the Dublin rock band Fontaines DC to create the jersey, which blends Irish and Palestinian symbols. So far, it has raised over €200,000 for the UK-based charity Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Irish activist Caoimhe Butterly gave the shirt to Thunberg during the June flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces before it could deliver aid to Gaza. The territory, where nearly 65,000 people have died and famine is spreading, remains under blockade.
Thunberg wore the shirt again in interviews before the latest flotilla set sail on Monday after weather delays. After a stop in Tunis, the mission will continue, attempting to navigate around the Israeli blockade.
In a statement, Bohemians expressed gratitude for Thunberg’s gesture, saying: “Standing up for Palestinians in the face of Israel’s genocide matters deeply to many of our members and supporters. We commend Greta and all those on the flotilla for their courage in defending Palestinian rights and dignity.”
Israel denies accusations of genocide, stating its military actions aim to free hostages and dismantle Hamas, which attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. However, a leading association of genocide scholars recently stated that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of the crime. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called the famine in Gaza a “man-made disaster.”
Thunberg’s choice of clothing has pleased Irish activists and may reinforce Israeli perceptions that Ireland—its government, artists, and at least one football club—is hostile toward Israel.
Bohemians is a fan-owned club known for its social advocacy, supporting marginalized groups in Ireland as well as Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Last year, it hosted a friendly match with the Palestinian women’s national team.
Fontaines DC, like the Irish rap group Kneecap, has stirred controversy by criticizing Israel during performances. The band previously collaborated with Bohemians on a shirt to fund a West Bank sports project and released a second edition this summer.
The jersey features an embroidered tag with a Palestinian flag and the Irish phrase “Saoirse don Phalaistín” (“Free Palestine”). Around the neck is printed “I thought it was love,” a lyric from one of the band’s songs.
The club also recently released a shirt honoring Suleiman al-Obeid, a footballer known as the “Palestinian Pelé” who was killed while seeking food aid. Proceeds will go to his family.
In December 2023, Israel closed its embassy in Dublin, accusing Ireland of “extreme anti-Israeli policies.” Pro-Israel groups coined the term “Paddystine” to mock Ireland, a label some Irish activists have since reclaimed.I wear “Palestinian” as a badge of honour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Bohemian FC thanking Greta Thunberg for wearing their kit
General Beginner Questions
1 Who is Greta Thunberg
Greta Thunberg is a Swedish environmental activist who has become a globally recognized figure for her work demanding action on climate change
2 What is Bohemian FC
Bohemian FC is a professional football club based in Dublin Ireland known for its strong community ethos and social activism
3 What exactly happened
Greta Thunberg was photographed wearing a Bohemian FC jersey while volunteering on an aid mission in a refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos The club saw the photo and publicly thanked her for the support
4 Why is this a big deal
Its significant because it connects a globally famous activist with a club known for its values It brings massive international attention to both Bohs community work and the humanitarian cause Greta was supporting
Advanced Detailed Questions
5 Why did Greta Thunberg choose to wear a Bohs jersey
While her specific reason isnt publicly known its widely believed she chose it because of the clubs strong and wellpublicized stance on social justice refugee rights and environmental issues which aligns with her own activism
6 What is the connection between Bohemian FC and social activism
Bohs are famous for their communityfocused initiatives They have a partnership with a migrant and refugee support organization called Welcome Here run a charity to combat homelessness and have a famously leftleaning and socially conscious fanbase
7 Did the club send her the jersey
No the club confirmed they did not send it to her Its assumed she or someone close to her acquired it likely because they support the clubs values
8 What was Bohemian FCs reaction
The club was delighted They posted the photo on their social media channels thanking Greta and expressing their support for her work and the aid mission she was on
9 Did this cause a spike in interest or jersey sales for Bohs
Yes absolutely The event led to a huge surge in global media coverage for the small club and a significant increase in online traffic and merchandise sales particularly for the specific jersey she wore
