Israel and Palestine
The formation of a composite team of Israeli and Palestinian players to participate in the 2008 Australian Football International Cup was suggested by members of the Australian Jewish community in late 2007. This team would be composed mainly of basketball and soccer players, trained from scratch in the first half of 2008. Backing the plan is the Peres Center for Peace, as well as board members of AFL clubs, including Australian Jewish businessman and Carlton Football Club president Dick Pratt.
In early 2008 it was reported that around 75 players were in training for the team, to be cut back to around 30 for the squad to attend the International Cup. Match-day coach for the team at the tournament is to be Robert DiPierdomenico.
Read more about this topic: Australian Rules Football In The Middle East
Famous quotes containing the words israel and/or palestine:
“...that he may learn that there is a prophet in Israel.”
—Bible: Hebrew, 2 Kings 5:8.
Elijah to the king of Israel who has received a letter from the king of Syria looking for someone to cure his commander of leprosy.
“His Majesty’s Government view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavours to facilitate the achievement of this object, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine, or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country.”
—A.J. (Arthur James)