Bnei Sakhnin has become the first Israeli Arab soccer team to win Israel’s State Cup Final.
I watched the end moments of the game, and its aftermath. It filled me with pride to see one of the Bnei Sakhin players running around the field with an Israeli flag draped over his shoulders. And no doubt, Israeli Arabs are also filled with pride at their team’s achievement.
And apparently, some PLO Arabs are also ecstatic at the win.
Palestinian Authority cabinet minister Saeb Erekat called Sakhnin owner Ghnaim and expressed his appreciation of the team’s accomplishment. “This achievement also brings honor to the Palestinian people,” Erekat said.
This comment underscores the complex situation here in Israel. The PLO Arabs identify with a team of Arabs who are also citizens of Israel. The question is, with whom do the Israeli Arabs identify themselves?
In any event, well done to Bnei Sakhnin.
