No sooner had they crossed into Israel than the first Barça banners became visible in the streets of Bethlehem. There was huge expectation surrounding the visit by the FCB touring party.
As soon as they got off the coach, the players were surrounded by a swathe of adoring fans, including several children wearing Barça shirts. They headed for the Basilica of the Nativity, where it is believed that Jesus of Nazareth was born, and paid a visit to the temple. After greeting the senior religious figures in the town, they posed for a group photo outside the basilica.
Reception with Mahmoud Abbas
They then made their way to the headquarters of the Palestinian presidency for a private visit where they were received by president Mahmoud Abbas. Treated as if he were a head of state, Sandro Rosell was accompanied by the other members of the board, plus the players, and exchanged a few words and gifts with the Palestinian leader.
Then Jibril Rjoub, the head of the Palestinian Football Association, spoke to the media and explained what a historic moment this is for his people. “We are hugely respectful of this visit being paid by Barça” he said. “It is big step towards our desire for peace”. He spoke about his high hopes for a future independent state of Palestine, and announced that if that day should ever come, then FC Barcelona would be the first team they’d be inviting to play.
President Sandro Rosell thanked him for the affection shown by the Palestinian people, saying “Barça will do everything we can to do our little bit to help resolve this conflict and achieve peace”. And after seeing so many children wearing Barça shirts, he also had some special words for younger Palestinians.
FRIENDLY MATCH
In February, Barca said they wanted to play a friendly match against a side made up equally of Palestinian and Israeli players in Tel Aviv but the Middle Eastern neighbours could not agree on arrangements to facilitate holding the fixture.
The Palestinians have complained that Israel's security forces often prevent athletes travelling freely between the Gaza Strip and West Bank, where the Palestinians have limited self rule but over which Israel maintains overall security control.
The West Bank is controlled by Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of the secular Fatah faction but the Gaza Strip is ruled by the Islamist Hamas faction which calls for Israel's destruction.
Israel cites security concerns but says it has eased travel for athletes between Palestinian territories. Last month Fifa president Sepp Blatter said during a visit to the region that a task force would address Palestinian concerns on the matter.
The Palestinians want the West Bank and the Gaza Strip for a future state with Arab East Jerusalem as its capital.
Even though they live side by side, Israeli and Palestinian teams do not play each other in competition, as Israel are members of European soccer's governing body Uefa and the Palestine soccer team play in Asia.
While in Bethlehem, Barca's players also met Abbas and on Sunday they will meet Israeli President Shimon Peres who was involved in organising the visit, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They will also visit Jerusalem's Western Wall.
In February, Barca said they wanted to play a friendly match against a side made up equally of Palestinian and Israeli players in Tel Aviv but the Middle Eastern neighbours could not agree on arrangements to facilitate holding the fixture.
The Palestinians have complained that Israel's security forces often prevent athletes travelling freely between the Gaza Strip and West Bank, where the Palestinians have limited self rule but over which Israel maintains overall security control.
The West Bank is controlled by Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of the secular Fatah faction but the Gaza Strip is ruled by the Islamist Hamas faction which calls for Israel's destruction.
Israel cites security concerns but says it has eased travel for athletes between Palestinian territories. Last month Fifa president Sepp Blatter said during a visit to the region that a task force would address Palestinian concerns on the matter.
The Palestinians want the West Bank and the Gaza Strip for a future state with Arab East Jerusalem as its capital.
Even though they live side by side, Israeli and Palestinian teams do not play each other in competition, as Israel are members of European soccer's governing body Uefa and the Palestine soccer team play in Asia.
While in Bethlehem, Barca's players also met Abbas and on Sunday they will meet Israeli President Shimon Peres who was involved in organising the visit, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They will also visit Jerusalem's Western Wall.
Messi is trying better in both-Football and Peace.
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