Embarking on a challenging journey across three international bridges, each with significant fees, the Seder family from the West Bank traveled to Abu Dhabi for a chess festival. For them, representing Palestine internationally justifies every hurdle.
Naji Seder, 46, discovered chess at 16 and repeatedly became Palestine’s national champion. Now an international arbiter and instructor, he has passed his love for chess to his children, who are competing in the 31st Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival.
“I began playing at a young age and became a national champion, so when I had kids, I knew I must teach them chess. I’m proud of their achievements,” Naji shared with Khaleej Times.
His son, Mohammed Seder, 16, became one of Palestine’s youngest national chess champions at 15 and has won the Arab chess championship three times, including one in Sharjah. “My father started teaching me chess at 4, challenging me with tough tactics. He was my first coach and remains my main supporter,” Mohammed explained.
Randa Seder, 11, was recognized as the youngest participant at the Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India. The young talent has won Palestinian championships in her age group and finished second in the ladies’ section this year. She competes alongside her brother in Abu Dhabi, both representing the Palestinian Chess Federation.
Their journey to the UAE was as daunting as any tournament. Traveling from Alkhalil city in the southern West Bank, they crossed the Allenby, Sheikh Hussein, and Wadi Araba bridges, each adding delays, costs, and uncertainty.
“We crossed three bridges at precise times and paid significant fees just to reach the airport. Traveling from Palestine is tiring, but it’s worth it when my children make me proud with their achievements,” their father expressed.
The family faces ongoing challenges in their homeland, where over 905 people have been killed and 7,370 injured. Yet, they remain dedicated to their chess careers and their country.
“We represent our people and demonstrate our resilience despite hardships. I have many relatives who are martyrs and chess friends who died in Gaza. These experiences drive me to highlight Palestine on every stage,” Mohammed stated.
When asked why they choose to stay in the West Bank rather than move abroad for safety, the family’s response was united: “We win and compete because we represent our oppressed people. If we leave, others might too, and we can’t let that happen.”
For the Seder family, each chess move symbolizes representation, resilience, and hope for their homeland’s future.
