What do you guys think of the scenario, if the Israeli NT would play there Friendly's and Qualifiers in the U.S.A??? Sounds kinda ridiculous, but its worth a try? I think that America, politically has always been a friend of the State and that having an Israeli NT game there would be no problem!!!! Since we are banned from playing inside Israel! Why not play in America? Palmero is our 'home' for now....but its not so useful? How many jews and Israelis live in Palmero?? Hardly! They have a good stadium, but there not in a good area for jewish/israeli people. America would be good! There is alot of jewish fans that would love to see Israel play and good stadiums to attract people!! What do you think?
In all honesty, I think it's ridiculous that you guys are "UEFA" rather than in the Asian federation. Ideally, you guys would be able to mend relations with your Muslim neighbors and qualify, participate in the Asian federation. I realize that's a long way off in the future. For now though, I think you guys are stuck in UEFA, and the USA is too far to travel for your "home games" if other teams are afraid to play in Israel. Perhaps the always neutral Switzerland would allow you a venue. I don't think other UEFA teams would want to travel to the USA for Euro qualifiers, and I personally think it's a bad idea. James
Well, AFC kicked us out, so i think until another 10 years, we don't have a chance to enter. Luckily, the ban is condition and not permament, but still....AFC is not as attractive as UEFA is!! UEFA has been mean to israel, for the last 3 years, not allowing israel to play and stuff! And thats fine, but Israel wants to play and i think soon it will play... UEFA is just not being fair...but on the other Hand UEFA gave us a challenge and we have been competitive ever since we joined UEFA!
Why not approach Cypress as a possible site for home games? It's certainly a place accustomed to crises and controversy. Frankly, the only way Israel could improve relations with its Arab neighbors would be to move lock-stock-and-barrel to Florida. The Middle East is a dysfuntional neighborhood, but the oranges, almonds, figs and dates are world class, and there's all that oil.
I didn't make this a thread to insult or to dismay terror!!!! I think USA will be a good place venue to play! Lots of fans and opprotunity to improve soccer in the USA! Sorry you guys don't think that way
Kappa18, I think the whole problem simply comes down to logistics. Israel and the USA are seperated by a vast distance. If Israel was close to the USA or vice versa, I think your idea would already have been implemented.
How will hosting Israeli national team games help soccer in the USA? I don't think it will. And yes, I do think we'd be asking for another terrorist attack. As if we arent expecting one anyway. Can you imagine the security woes for that sort of match? There are alot of Jews in America, and if they like soccer, they typically like team USA. Although I am Christian, I coached soccer for an all Jewish school, and over here, Jews don't typically divide & segregate themselves from everyone else. Sure there are Orthodox Jews who stay "Kosher", but they are few from my personal experience. I would think that Jerry Seinfeld, if he liked soccer, would care about the USA team, and not care too much about the Israeli team. I could be wrong. However, I'm of Danish/German heritage, and while I like to watch quality soccer, I have no allegiance to any team but team USA. James
well, maybe useing the USA to qualify for UEFA wouldn't be such a good idea because of distance...but, if Israel were to ever come to my town we would greet you all. i am a jewish christian, and whenever i see Israel do something good i smile. but, for me, it's always been Club Before Country. that's just the type of supporter i am. but i can honestly say, that in most cities in the USA, you would be okay.
Didn't Israel play a friendly in Jacksonville a couple of years ago? Besides, this topic has been broached before. It could be done in an area with a decent size Jewish population, such as Columbus (20,000)
Yes, what about NY or Los Angelas and Miami? Huge turnout and for a good cause Say.....whos that person in your avatar?
Me. The picture was taken at a North London pub after the Tony Adams testimonial last May between Arsenal and Celtic.
so your a English or Yankee Anyways, cheers! Your havinga beer! Dark Beer i see........ Beer + Soccer = Hooliganism!
Well Kappa, a yankee... But I'm supposed to be coming to Israel in November with my synagogue. I expect to break away so I can see a footy match while I'm there.
Beer + Soccer = Hooliganism This was in fact Fermi's Little-known-second-to-the-last Theorem, discovered right after he converted to Islam. Or was it Mormonism?
Sounds good If your in The Dan Region/Greater Tel Aviv area, give me a shout!!! Wherever you might be, there is always some good footie!! Are you coming to Israel for Solidarity?? If you are in the Tel Aviv region go see Mac. Tel Aviv, probably around November they will have there derby against rivalry Hapoel, though i doubt any tickets will be left.. If your in Jerusalem, always a pleasure to see the champions of Beitar Jerusalem! have fun when your here!
I'm sorry guys, but I don't feel as though it is a good idea to play in the United States. I am not saying this because I live far away, I am saying this because of one of the key problems the Israeli Football Association has...money! Air fare and hotels alone would kill the IFA. Unless they were approached by SUM or some organization here that would pay their fees, the IFA cannont just come alone. My suggestion, bring it up in Jewish communities. Raise the awareness of the national team being without a home and try to get in contact with the USSF, and the IFA. I can get in contact with the IFA.
I agree KYHS. There would have to be some sponsorship from someone. Perhaps one of the club teams could come over for a match with one of the MLS sides.
Ooo my.. Listen!!!! The minute you will tell that the Israeli Soccer Association needs a home, many organizations in America will lend a hand. I think that there is organizations like birthright that gives free trips to college students to israel!! They can help you! And there is a ton more. Plus i gurantee you, about 10-60,000 people can attend a game regardless of where it is. Many americans, jewish, and other people who love soccer can go!! Plus, if the air fare/tickets are sponsored and are for free. Then the price for tickets and all ticket sales/merchandise should given to IFA to help them earn money!
I think scheduling Israeli qualifiers in the US is a great idea. When the European teams dislike travelling all the way to North America, UEFA will start letting Israel have real home games. Right now, Euro teams get a shorter travel and a neutral field -- not much incentive to change. Until Israel gets to host games, I'd be happy to go to a couple of Euro qualifiers. I'm sure there are plenty of Americans who wouldn't have minded paying to watch Zidane and Henry play in a meaningful game yesterday.
Right on. Eventhough we are banned from UEFA itself, there is no clause that says we can play in Europe! They just asked us to play a neutral venue!!! One of it might be the U.S!!
I don't know why you guys think Jews would show up to support you guys. First of all, in America, Jews hang out and are friends with Christians, Muslims, etc in many areas. People don't go around distinguishing their religion, people may wear a necklace with a cross on it, etc., but for the most part people don't care what the other persons religion is. I know a good amount of Jews, and I am a Catholic, and it doesn't affect us what religion the other person is. Also, most Jews in this country are reform and not very religious. I don't think Jewish people will show up to a soccer match becuase Israel is playing, if they are interested in soccer, they may come, but not because of Israel. Also, I don't think many Jews in this country support Israeli soccer. It would be extremely inconvient for Israel to play friendlies here, there would be a strong chance of a terrorist attack, and Israel isn't exactly going to attract people to a stadium.
In the North-Eastern part of PA if one of the rabbis said that an Israeli team was coming over to play and he would like to see some support for them they would turn out by the hundreds. I am sure this would be true all over.