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.

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Latest Signatures

02 December 2015100. Borat S
Pfff. Israel's not even a real country. Nationality Kazakh
19 November 201599. Rodney B
I support this petition
09 November 201598. Adrian C
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22 September 201597. Eileen B
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04 August 201596. Brian D
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03 June 201595. Diane S
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16 February 201592. Judith B
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30 January 201591. David S
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16 January 201590. Hmturner Vega
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09 January 201589. John Erskinem
Please understand and respect the Jewish faith. Nationality British
14 December 201488. David Glenn
move it Nationality uk
29 November 201487. Michael R
PLEASE move the match Nationality British
14 November 201486. Herschel G
I support this petition
08 November 201485. Michael G
it would be a chiddush hashem not to play on shabbos Nationality british
16 October 201484. Lisa B
I support this petition
14 September 201483. Lorna B
Out of respect for Israel and Jews all over the world please change the date to the sunday Nationality british
24 August 201482. Ann L
equal opportunities for all to enjoy the game Nationality British
23 August 201481. Joanna K
although not religious, we should be respecting those who are. Nationality british
27 June 201480. Frederic Zh
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22 June 201479. Eric C
Please move it to a non religious day Nationality British
20 June 201478. Zachary B
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25 May 201477. Jonathan D
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22 April 201476. M C
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17 March 201475. Alan Velazquez
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24 February 201474. Basil S
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