H.E. Daniel Taub, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, hosted a reception last night together with the English Football Association (FA) to celebrate the 2013 UEFA Under 21 Championship, which will be held in Israel this summer. Among the speakers were Alistair Burt MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, FA Chairman David Bernstein, international football manager Mr Avraham Grant, and Mr Itzik Shanan, founder of Kick It Out Israel, which combats racism and violence in football. Attendees included FA officials, current and former professional footballers, prominent people involved in UK football, and members of the press.

Alistair Burt MP spoke about football’s ability to build bridges between communities and noted his delight at the fact that the event combined so many things that are important to him: Israel, football and young people.

H.E. Ambassador Taub said: “Both in Israel and the UK football arouses strong passions, but it also has a unique ability to transcend the pitch, to promote tolerance and build bridges across society. As we look forward to the UEFA Under 21 Championship in Israel this summer, I am delighted to support the cooperation between the football associations of the two countries and the exciting ‘Football for all’ project.”

David Bernstein expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming championships in Israel and how he was looking forward to watching Israel and England square off. Reflecting on his tenure as FA Chairman, Bernstein cited his efforts to curb discrimination and taking the English National Team to the Auschwitz death camp as two the FA’s most important initiatives. Avraham Grant spoke about how football levels the pitch – offering all who work hard the opportunity to succeed.

The reception included a team-shirt exchange between Ambassador Taub and Chairman Bernstein, symbolising the great friendship between the two national teams.

Among the notable Israeli footballers who attended were Abbas Suan, famous for scoring the game-tying goal in the 90th minute of a 2006 World Cup qualifying match against Ireland, and Beram Kayal, a mid-fielder for Israel’s national team and Celtic FC. Kick It Out’s delegation included Maryam Abu-Ghanem, the first woman sports teacher from Israel’s Bedouin community. Known affectionately by many as “Mrs. Maradona,” Maryam’s story is one of determination and drive, epitomising how football allows individuals and communities to break down barriers and promote values such as fair competition, equal opportunity and cooperation.

 

Photography by: Yakir Zur – YZ Photography