Here are images of signs at the Derry/Donegal border expressing support for Palestine, and calling in particular for the cancellation of the forthcoming soccer matches between Ireland and Israel.

One board (shown last, below) reads, “Fáılte go Doıre. Please boycott, rally & strike to end the genocide in Palestine. RISE for Palestine.” The group “RISE For Palestine” was founded last year (2025) in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza (Derry Journal). “RISE” stands for “Resistance Inspires Solidarity and Equality”.

The other two boards read “Stop the genocide – stop the game” and “Red card Israel – stop the game”. Ireland is due to play two games against Israel in the Nations League on September 27th and October 4th. The games will in fact be played in Hungary and Serbia, and mostly without any fans (RTÉ). For more background and a placard in Belfast, see Stop The Game.

The figure shown as both “war criminal” and “footballer” is Menashe Zalka, captain of Hapoel Hadera and an IDF reservist, who was seen taking part in Israeli action inside Lebanon (Al Jazeera).

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2026 Andy McDonagh/Eclipso Pictures (ig | Fb)
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