The Politics of Passion: How Spain Won Over New York's Arab American Community The streets of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, are abuzz with World Cup fever.
Fans from the neighborhood's large Arab American community are proudly donning Spanish jerseys and waving flags, their fervor going beyond mere football loyalty.
For Zein Rimawi, chairman of the Arab American Federation nonprofit, Spain's recognition of Palestine in 2024 and its criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza are key factors in his support for the team.