Since when have Israel been in Europe?

Question

Ok..I have been looking at the teams involved in the 2008 Euro Football Championships.Since when did Israel join Europe?They are involved in the competition but they are not part of Europe...WHY??

Thanks Itchy....some people have a life and are not on here 24/7.Sorry i missed the question twice !! silly me huh...bless

Answer 1

After Israel was created in 1945 they joined the Asian Confederation, but the middle eastern countries refused to play them as they didn't , and still don't recognise Israel's existence, so Isrel joined UEFA.

Answer 2

Geographically, Israel is not in Europe. However, culturally and politically, Israelis feel they have more in common with (and less chance of being shot on sight by) Europeans. Many of the original immigrants to the new state of Israel after WW2 were Europeans - and they were hardly welcomed with open arms to the area by their Arabic neighbours.

Consequently, Israel participate in many European events, such as the European Football Championships and Eurovision.

Can you imagine the security that would be needed if Israel had to play Iraq, Iran, Ethiopa, etc. in qualifiers? They already have to play most of their "home" games on neutral grounds because of security risks of any non muslim country entering the middle east.

A few notes for some other replies to think about; Russia has always been split between Asia and Europe (i.e. some parts in Europe, some parrts in Asia), as has Turkey. Israel are a growing force in world football, and will probably quaify for the final 32 either in 2008 or 2012. Football is hardly getting embroiled into politics, but is actually achieving what politics cannot. Was there any trouble at the World cup when Christian and Muslim nations played one another? Did any African nations begin fighting among themselves? Did the American team fire missiles at anybody? It is through events like these that the world can move forward and celbrate it's diverse peoples and our similarities together.

Answer 3

Yes, sometimes this kind of things might happen in the sport industry and the politics can give you an answer. To let Israel and other middle east countries to play the match because Europe want to tell them how generous they are. They are for helping and developing a world of peace. Not only Israel, Turkey also played in the previous EURO. Is Turkey part of Europe? that's also an doubt.

Answer 4

They are not part of Europe, geographically they are part of the Middle East or Asia, however I suppose seeing as the majority of people in Israel's direct descendants (especailly when UEFA & Eurovisiuon were founded) are from European countird then its possibly appropriate that they are in Eurpoean categories.

Eurovision & UEFA are more political rather than geographical entities. It could also refect the fact that at the time UEFA & Eurovision started there was no significant organisaiton Asian football tournament / associaiton.

Answer 5

Keep up alrready...this question was posted at least twice last week, and yes, the point about Israel being in the Eurovision Song Contest did come up.

Answer 6

also since they were allowed into the eurovision song contest... I guess it's all part of the shrinking world...didn't know the israelis could play footbal anyway... they wont be in it long they are just there to make up the numbers

Answer 7

Israel can't really take part in Mid-east tournaments for security reasons, as such they are grouped into Europe.

Answer 8

Sames goes for the Eurovision seon contest. They've been in that for years, and so have Russia. Russia was always part of Asia when I was at school.
But that was a long time ago...

Answer 9

Good Question...! Is this because they don't feel wanted in the African league or Arab Nations League... mmm!! its a shame football has to get embroiled in politics..

Answer 10

Hmm - I can just see it. Iran v Israel in Tehran.