Festival of Football
The event, which featured the screening two top matches (Hungary vs Portugal and Germany vs France) and fun games and attractions for the entire family, was organized by the EU Delegation to Israel together with the Ashdod Municipality and the Ashdod Sports Authority.
“This year’s EURO is the first-ever that is not taking place in one or two countries, but all over Europe, from Glasgow to Bucharest, from Copenhagen to Seville. Sixteen of the 24 competing teams are member states of the European Union. Football brings people together – in Europe, in Israel, and all over the world,” EU Ambassador to Israel Emanuele Giaufret said during a special reception attended by European diplomats and Ashdod Municipality officials.
“We wanted to share the beauty of European football with the residents of Ashdod. It was important to be here also as a gesture of solidarity with the city after more than 250 rockets were fired on Ashdod in the recent hostilities.” he added.
Addressing the European ambassadors, Ashdod Mayor Dr. Yehiel Lasry thanked the EU Delegation to Israel for organizing the event in his city.
“Ashdod is the fifth largest in the State of Israel and is well known of its diverse culture and society. Ashdod is a multicultural city with 99 communities, including many with origins in European countries -- France, Romania, Hungary and more,” he said. “Last year, the EURO was postponed due to the global fight against COVID-19. Finally, thank God, we have overcome the pandemic in Israel and are now celebrating European football here together with you all,” he added.
For more information:
Raphael Ahren
Press and Information Officer, EU Delegation to Israel
Photos by Shay Shviro
