Hapoel Jerusalem Youth Players Photographed Wearing PLO Flags at European Tournament

Three youth players from Hapoel Jerusalem were photographed during a football tournament in Europe wearing shirts and scarves bearing the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) flag, sparking outrage among parents at the club. The images circulated widely on social media, leading parents to claim their children were used as political tools without their knowledge. According to Hapoel Jerusalem, the tournament was intended as a recreational event for young players from East Jerusalem, and the club was not involved in or informed about the decision to dress the players in clothing featuring the PLO flag.

Following the publication of the photos, the parents contacted the youth department manager, expressing shock and anger. One father stated he was unaware of the plan to dress the children in such attire and would never have allowed it had he known. He also reported confronting the tournament organizers and noted that his children were facing difficult reactions after the images were shared. He urged other parents to explain to their children that there was no intent to cause harm and that the situation was beyond the families' control.

Hapoel Jerusalem responded by emphasizing their shock and condemnation of the incident, stating that the children were exploited and are expected to face challenging consequences. The club is investigating the matter and requested that criticism not be directed at the players. They also dismissed political figures who have made inaccurate claims about the event, calling their statements populist and misleading.