While the quality of Israeli football on the domestic scene is something for most purists to lament, the passion is what counts, and even if the talent level isn't up to par, it's hard not to appreciate the overall devotion and love for the game that exists here. I can't remember an international visit by any dignitary or celebrity, Obama's aside, that compared to the excitement and hysteria of Barca's trip to the Holy Land. The sight of seeing Bibi kicking around footballs in his personalized tracksuit with little kids was quite the view to behold as well. Thankfully, the kids were likely lucky enough not to have had to sit through his press conference, where he was ceremoniously announced as "His excellency Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu". I'm not sure whose idea that was, but I'm almost positive that in the West, democratically elected leaders are not referred to as such. I shouldn't be complaining though, Bibi did his best to put together a commendable speech, full of all the talking points he always hammers home. It sounded quite nice, and if it were to ever actually materialize in real life, it would be quite nice too. However, this trip wasn't about politics, it was about the kids, about building a brighter future and striving for the type of coexistence that is so deserved. Judging by the reactions of people, there couldn't have been a better emissary for that purpose than the players of FC Barcelona.
5.8.13
More Than a Club
If there's anything Israelis love, it's their football. So when a team like Barcelona makes a special two day trip to the Middle East for the purpose of promoting peace and coexistence, even the most pessimistic of Israelis will jump at the first opportunity to get a glimpse of some of their favorite footballers. Barcelona has long been the most preferred international team to pull for among Israelis and Palestinians alike. I haven't pinpointed exactly why, but if you consider the type of uptempo attacking style of football played by Messi and co., it's a little easier to understand. That, and the fact that they're not Real Madrid.
While the quality of Israeli football on the domestic scene is something for most purists to lament, the passion is what counts, and even if the talent level isn't up to par, it's hard not to appreciate the overall devotion and love for the game that exists here. I can't remember an international visit by any dignitary or celebrity, Obama's aside, that compared to the excitement and hysteria of Barca's trip to the Holy Land. The sight of seeing Bibi kicking around footballs in his personalized tracksuit with little kids was quite the view to behold as well. Thankfully, the kids were likely lucky enough not to have had to sit through his press conference, where he was ceremoniously announced as "His excellency Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu". I'm not sure whose idea that was, but I'm almost positive that in the West, democratically elected leaders are not referred to as such. I shouldn't be complaining though, Bibi did his best to put together a commendable speech, full of all the talking points he always hammers home. It sounded quite nice, and if it were to ever actually materialize in real life, it would be quite nice too. However, this trip wasn't about politics, it was about the kids, about building a brighter future and striving for the type of coexistence that is so deserved. Judging by the reactions of people, there couldn't have been a better emissary for that purpose than the players of FC Barcelona.
While the quality of Israeli football on the domestic scene is something for most purists to lament, the passion is what counts, and even if the talent level isn't up to par, it's hard not to appreciate the overall devotion and love for the game that exists here. I can't remember an international visit by any dignitary or celebrity, Obama's aside, that compared to the excitement and hysteria of Barca's trip to the Holy Land. The sight of seeing Bibi kicking around footballs in his personalized tracksuit with little kids was quite the view to behold as well. Thankfully, the kids were likely lucky enough not to have had to sit through his press conference, where he was ceremoniously announced as "His excellency Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu". I'm not sure whose idea that was, but I'm almost positive that in the West, democratically elected leaders are not referred to as such. I shouldn't be complaining though, Bibi did his best to put together a commendable speech, full of all the talking points he always hammers home. It sounded quite nice, and if it were to ever actually materialize in real life, it would be quite nice too. However, this trip wasn't about politics, it was about the kids, about building a brighter future and striving for the type of coexistence that is so deserved. Judging by the reactions of people, there couldn't have been a better emissary for that purpose than the players of FC Barcelona.
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