England/Israel Euro 2008 Qualifier

ENGLAND Vs ISRAEL
Euro 2008 Qualifier:
England Vs Israel, Wembley Stadium, September 8 2007

PETITION

It is commonly accepted that our modern multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-religious society can only enhance life for the community as a whole, if every group refrains from harming all others. As former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat put it, There can be hope only for a society which acts as one big family, not as many separate ones. Britain and Israel are both democracies, tolerant and free. Who better to exemplify footballs power to fight bigotry?

Yet, ironically, The FA (the English Football Association), which plays so prominent a role in the campaign to eradicate racism in football, especially in Israel, is preparing to host the return Euro 2008 qualifier match between England and Israel on September 8 on the Jewish Sabbath. Although, according to its statutes, UEFA is neutral, politically and religiously, this date would deny observant Jews the chance to attend or watch the game live on TV.

Anticipation before the first game on March 24 the very first competitive match ever to be played between the two countries and deliberately delayed until after the Sabbath to respect the religious affiliation of all Israel's citizens raised enormous excitement in Israel, due to Israelis' huge love of football, particularly our Premier League, and to the strong links between the two countries.

No better signal could now be given by the Football Authorities, both to Israels citizens and to everyone who advocates tolerance and understanding, than to recognise that staging the match on September 8, when the Sabbath will not end until around 8.30pm, will disenfranchise a large number of people who observe the Sabbath and also love the beautiful game. A change of date would significantly enhance the efforts of UEFA and The English and Israeli Football Associations to create the attitude changes which are needed to close gaps of discrimination and ignorance and open up understanding, equality and mutual respect.

We therefore call on the English FA, the Israeli FA and UEFA to recognise the position of observant Jews and the unique status of this match and, in a spirit of understanding and tolerance, move the game to a 4pm kick off on Sunday afternoon September 9 to enable all fans to enjoy it.