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'For the first time, I feel like I am valued' - Meet the Israeli team at the Homeless World Cup

'People don’t look at them. They are the lowest priority for Israeli society. Here I watch them and they hold their heads high'

August 2, 2019 09:58
The Israeli team at the Homeless World Cup in Cardiff along with supporters

ByRosa Doherty, Rosa Doherty

5 min read

At first glance, Dina does not appear the sort of person who has been through traumatic experiences beyond the comprehension of most. But look closer and her arms bear the scars of self-inflicted wounds.

She left the family home in Israel (and her five-year-old son) at 22, having fallen out with her mother. Without a place to live and socially isolated, she became reliant on drugs, an addiction which spiralled over the next 23 years.

This week, Dina, 45, was resplendent in bright blue football kit in Cardiff as one of the Israeli squad in the latest edition of the Homeless World Cup, one of more than 500 players from more than 50 countries.

The event is intended to inspire participants while raising awareness of homelessness on a global level.