Israel has secured a dramatic draw in its World Cup qualifier againat Ireland, thanks to a superb low drive to the left corner of Ireland’s goals in the 90th minute of play.The hero? Israel Arab Abbas Suwan.
That’s right. The Israel that French goalkeeper Barthez refuses to see is one whereby Jews and Arabs play together in the national team.
Here’s what the man-of-the-moment had to say after the game.
In comments immediately after the game, Suwan first wished a happy Purim to all my Jewish brothers.He said it was his first goal for the national team and added he hoped more will come.
He added:
The goal is dedicated to everyone in Israel. It is time to stop talking of Jews and Arabs; we are all one people,” he said.
I have been staying in the Sharon Hotel in Herzliya Pituach since Friday afternoon, and I was watching the game last night, along with many of the hotel’s Arab staff. Here we were, Jews and Arabs, united in our support for our national team, and our joy over Suwan’s goal. No politics. No tension. Just a real sense of unity.
Boy, did it feel good.
