A Joint Israeli-Palestinian Soccer Team Played A Game For Peace In Seville Vice Premier Shimon Peres: "We are trying to make peace, not just between governments, but also between people"
Although defeated 3-1 by an Andalusian selected team, players of the joint Israeli-Palestinian Soccer Team expressed their excitement on Wednesday, as they took part in the Match For Peace, which was organized by the Peres Center for Peace.
The result of the game on Wednesday night in the Olympic Stadium in Seville, was the last thing on the players’ minds. Although defeated by Andalusian team Deportivo La Coruna, they felt they are the real winners, with the message of Israeli-Palestinian cooperation successfully conveyed.
The Match For Peace, organized by the Peres Center for Peace, is the second game of it’s kind. The first being the game held last year in Barcelona, attended by actor Sean Connery.
Vise Premiere Shimon Peres, Palestinian official Jibril Rajoub, Prime Minister of the Andalusian Regional Government Manual Chavez and Israel Football Association Chairman Itchi Menahem – all attended the game. In a press conference held a couple hours before the match, they pledged to continue to promote peace through sports.
“We are trying to make peace, not just between governments, but also between people,” Peres said. “Sports and arts bring people together and we are trying to build a future of peace and understanding.”
“Today’s children’s heroes are not politicians but footballers and movie stars. I am not a football expert however the more I meet the football players I’m pleased to see how happy they are to help the children and further peace.” he added.
Jibril Rajoub represented Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.
“The participation of both sets of players in this match wasn’t easy,” Rajoub said. “They were criticized by a lot of people but they still came despite all the difficulties to promote peace.”
“We were very excited to host this event which brings together Israeli and Palestinian players and calls for peace.” Chavez said.
“I think that the game of football can be a very important step forward and it shows Israelis and Palestinians can work together and that both sides strive for peace.”
Haim Revivo, who came out of retirement to play for the team, explained: “We may not change things in our country in the same way politicians do, but we do change the way of thinking in such places as Barcelona and Andalusia. We help the people here feel like they are contributing to peace.”
Palestinian player Muhammad Ashour was very happy to play with his new Israeli teammates and even expressed a wish to play with Israelis on a regular basis.
“It was fun to train and play with the Israelis. I would like to play for an Israeli club in the future. However there are many obstacles in the way which make that impossible,” Ashour said.
“This match is important in the road for peace,” Andalusian coach Jose Enrique Diaz said. “This is a festive event and I’m proud and happy at being a part of it.”
Deportivo La Coruna player Juanme was also delighted to take part in the game. “It’s important that we play these sorts of matches. We want our fans to enjoy themselves and we are pleased that we can also advance the peace in the Middle East at the same time,” he said.