Even when England failed to achieve the win they needed, everything stayed calm and we in Israel are delighted to say that we didn’t meet a single soccer hooligan!
Just shows what can be done when people of good-will get together!
And now look at the repercussions!
Israel flights may take off : A DIRECT air link between Manchester and Tel Aviv moved a step closer this week.
… on Wednesday, Israel tourism boss Uzi Gafni disclosed: "We are on the verge of signing an agreement with Thomson." …. "All of a sudden there is a lot of interest," Mr Gafni went on.
"It is something which has been in the pipeline," he said. "Nothing has been confirmed as yet."
Mr Gafni said that the highlight of his career had been to accompany Sir Bobby Charlton to the recent Israel-England football match in Tel Aviv.
Since the return of the 5,000 English fans, he has received many letters from them saying that they had not realised what a great holiday destination Israel was, and how they would like to become the Jewish state's "ambassadors of goodwill".
English soccer fans in Tel Aviv said they felt more welcome in Israel than in any country they have travelled to so far when following their national team.
One group of fans sitting and drinking into the late hours on the Tel Aviv beachfront said that in their short time in the country, they had developed a very positive view of Israel.
"I came over yesterday, and I can't get over how relaxed it feels," said Tony from Swindon. "The Israeli people I met were all really friendly and welcoming. This is a lovely, lovely country. It's got great beaches too," he added.
"If you go to France, everyone pretends they don't speak in English, but here in Israel, everyone speaks English to you," Tim from Derby said. "I'm astonished by how quickly we got through the airport," he added.
"I would never think to come to Israel, but now that I've experienced it, I am thinking differently. I would like to return here with my family," Tim said. "I've told my wife on the phone that we should come back here together."
Another fan drinking one of many beers at the Mike's Place bar, said: "I've only met people here with good intentions. This is a fantastic country."
Thanks Lads. That's what we keep telling you! .... Karine Aleph
