In this week’s installment of “Who Are They?”, we take a look at Club Deportivo Palestino: A professional club in Santiago, Chile with a rather unique history. Founded by Palestinian immigrants, the club boasts a 100-year history full of highs, lows and controversies.

Palestinians in Chile.

To fully grasp the history of Deportivo Palestino, one must first have an understanding of the history of the Palestinian Diaspora. Migration is at the very centre of the history of Palestine. Whilst many consider the formation of Israel as the catalyst for mass emigration, the truth is that Palestine experienced several waves of exile many years before 1948. 

The first wave of Palestinian migrants arrived in Chile around 1850, fleeing the Crimean war and Russia’s invasion of their land. The majority of the first wave of migrants were Christians and hailed from cities such as Beit Jala, Bethlehem and Beit Sahour. After landing at Argentine ports, these migrants would have crossed the Andes into Chile, their hearts full of hope and optimism for the new life that awaited them. 

The migrants were not exactly welcomed with open arms however. At the turn of the century, Chile began to experience a social and economical crisis. This was coupled with an increased nationalist/xenophobic sentiment. The Palestinian community of Chile became the target of racism and were referred to as ‘Turcos’ (Turks), due to the Ottoman nationality that the early migrants had on their passports. 

It wasn’t just on the streets that the community felt the ever-increasing hostility towards migrants. El Mercurio is one of the most well-known newspapers in Chile and they too looked cruelly upon the Palestinian community, writing in 1911 that “what one can see and smell from far, is that they are more dirty than the dogs of Constantinople…”. 

Despite the hatred towards them, they stayed. Not only did they stay but more Palestinians began to arrive. The First World War and the formation of Israel in 1948 would go on to spark further larger waves of migration. 

Initially, Palestinians would settle in the marginal areas of cities and work as small merchants. Over time however, they would acquire political and economic stature. Today, Chile is said to be home to the largest Palestinian community outside the Middle East. There are also believed to be more Palestinian Christians in Chile than there are in their homeland.

Club Deportivo Palestino - History & Identity.

Club Deportivo Palestino was founded by a group of Palestinian migrants in 1920 and the Palestinian community of Chile has had a club to be very proud of. 1952 saw the birth of professional football leagues in Chile. Deportivo started off in the Second Division, which they would win and by doing so, gain promotion to the top tier of Chilean football. 

Deportivo have become a household name in Chile’s top tier and were Champions on two occasions. Their most recent success was the Copa Chile in 2018. The identity of the club however goes far beyond on-field success. This is perhaps best summed up by the club slogan, which featured on the club’s centenary shirt in 2020. Printed on the shirt in both Spanish and Arabic, the slogan translates to “More than a team, it is an entire people”.

The club plays home games at Estadio Municipal de la Cisterna. The 8000 seater stadium is often adorned with flags of Palestine. 

The links to Palestine are as strong today as they were upon formation. There are two noteworthy incidents which highlight the club’s solidarity with the Palestinian community. 

Club Deportivo Palestino Controversies.

In 2014, the club caused controversy with the unveiling of a new kit. The kit featured the club’s traditional colours of red, green and black. The number one however on the back of the kit depicted a pre 1948 map of Palestine. This was viewed by Chilean Jewish groups as a deliberate political statement and after a formal complaint by fellow first division Club, Nublense, the Chilean Federation banned Palestino from using the kit. 

This was followed by a fine on the grounds that the federation is opposed to "any form of political, religious, sexual, ethnic, social or racial discrimination". The club reacted to the punishment, stating on their Facebook Page that for them, “free Palestine will always be historical Palestine, nothing less”.

In May of 2021, the club reacted to ongoing events in Jerusalem and once more displayed their solidarity. Before their league game vs Colo-Colo, players of Palestino entered the pitch wearing the keffiyeh. The club took to social media to show their support for the people of Sheikh Jarrah and once again reiterated the club motto.

The club sometimes referred to as Palestine’s “Second National Team” has a fascinating 100 year history. The next 100 years will undoubtedly feature more gestures of support and solidarity for the struggles of their people faced back in their homeland.