Embassy football match in London

 

50 years of friendship – football match between the German and Israeli Embassies in London.

 

To celebrate 50 years of friendship between Germany and Israel, staff from both Embassies played a friendly football match on May 12, the exact date on which diplomatic relations were agreed on in 1965.

 

Israeli Ambassador Daniel Taub and German Ambassador Peter Ammon kicked off the match in Hyde Park, both wearing the number “25”, together symbolising 50 years of relations.

In an exciting and hard-fought match, the German team secured a narrow victory with 5 to 3 goals in front of around 100 spectators, who witnessed dangerous free-kicks and multiple goals disallowed due to offside. Man of the match was the German Embassy’s driver and star striker Paul Crabb, who scored all five goals, including a stunning shot from midfield.

 

After an improvised prize-giving ceremony, all players, families and colleagues came together to enjoy the lush Summer evening and celebrate together.

Emphasising the importance of the match, Ambassador Taub said before kick-off: "The relationship between our countries has been a long journey, made possible by honest recognition of the past and a dedication to shared values as the foundation for a better future. Whether through dialogue, trade, or as here through football, we are committed to continuing this journey together".  

Ambassador Ammon added: “Today’s match between our Embassies symbolises the close friendship that has developed between the people of Israel and Germany over the last 50 years. While the past shall never be forgotten, German-Israeli relations today are unparalleled in their diversity and built on mutual trust”.

 

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