Baseball player Yunis Halim, born to Palestinian parents, is dealing with the devastation in Gaza while preparing for the Arab Classic tournament in Dubai. Despite the war and loss of teammates, Halim remains dedicated to the sport and has formed a team with players from different parts of the world. The death of Ashraf, a talented player from Gaza, has not dampened the spirit of baseball in the region. The remaining players continue to support Halim and encourage him to represent Palestine proudly.
Not a lot is known about the origins of baseball in Palestine, but Halim’s father played the sport for fun before moving to the US. Team Palestine was formed in 2017 with players from Gaza and the US joining forces. Due to the current situation in Gaza, the players from the region are no longer part of the team. Despite the challenges, participating in the Arab Classic in Dubai is seen as an honor and an opportunity to uplift the spirits of the trapped teammates in Gaza.
The Arab Classic tournament in Dubai is a significant event for Halim and his teammates from different parts of the world. The tournament aims to promote baseball at the grassroots level in the region and uncover hidden talents. Halim acknowledges the importance of Chairman Kash Shaikh in bringing baseball to the UAE and uniting players from various countries. The tournament is seen as a symbol of unity in a world filled with pain and division.
Halim prays for the war to end in Palestine so that the sport can flourish once again. He recalls the joy of playing with kids in Palestine and witnessing the growth of baseball in the region before the war. Halim hopes for a better future where every child in Gaza has the opportunity to play baseball and pursue their passion for the sport. Despite the challenges, Halim remains optimistic about the potential of baseball in Palestine and the talents waiting to be discovered.
