Climate activist Greta Thunberg has drawn attention by wearing a Bohemian FC shirt during recent humanitarian flotillas to Gaza. The pale blue jersey, produced in collaboration with Dublin rock band Fontaines DC, mixes Irish and Palestinian motifs and has raised over €200,000 for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Thunberg first wore the shirt on a flotilla in June and again as vessels prepared to leave Barcelona this week. Irish activist Caoimhe Butterly gave her the shirt, which is part of a limited-edition release. The flotilla aims to circumvent the Israeli blockade, though previous attempts were intercepted by Israeli forces.
Bohemians FC, a fan-owned club known for social advocacy, expressed gratitude for Thunberg's gesture. The club stated, 'Standing up for Palestinians in the face of Israel’s genocide is of great importance to so many Bohemians members and supporters.' Israel rejects accusations of genocide, framing its Gaza campaign as a response to the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack.
The shirt features a Palestinian flag and the Irish phrase 'Saoirse don Phalaistín' (Free Palestine), along with a lyric from Fontaines DC. The club also recently released a shirt honouring Palestinian footballer Suleiman al-Obeid, killed while seeking food aid, with proceeds going to his family.
Thunberg's attire has delighted Irish activists but may reinforce Israeli perceptions of Irish hostility. Ireland has faced criticism from Israel, which closed its embassy in Dublin in December 2023, citing 'extreme anti-Israeli policies'. The term 'Paddystinian' has been embraced by some Irish activists as a badge of honour.
