I confess that soccer isn't exactly a favorite hobby of mine, and I certainly don't attend games on the weekends. But the purchase of a 50% stake in the Beitar Jerusalem soccer club has grabbed my interest. This is perhaps the most notable event since the signing of the Abraham Accords, and one of the most symbolic and significant in terms of Israeli-Arab relations in general.
From the perspective of Israel's Arab citizens, it's unclear why Emirati businessman Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, who is also a member of the United Arab Emirates royal family, bought half of Beitar Jerusalem, of all teams. Indeed, a portion of the team's fanbase has rightfully earned a reputation as racist against Arabs and Islamic symbols, particularly the prophet Muhammad.
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The purchase was heavily criticized in the Arab world in general and the Arab street in Israel in particular. Many believe the move reflects a lack of understanding and familiarity with Israeli culture on the part of the Emiratis. It's enough to recall how the Israeli delegation was served matzah during their first visit to the UAE. We still have much to learn about one another.
The purchase in question, however, can be a turning point. Yes, we don't know the extent to which the deal allows the "Arab" owner to influence the team's character and spirit, but spending hundreds of millions of shekels will take the team to incredible new heights in Israel and the world. And with success, as we know, one doesn't argue.
As the saying goes: When in Rome. Beitar will gradually have to adopt new standards that are more compatible to friendly relations and cooperation with the Arab world. In this new reality, there also won't be a place for "La Familia," the team's hardcore group of ultra-nationalist fans associated with the racist activity. It would be rather embarrassing, not to say absurd, to use racist language against their beloved team's owner, who is also an Arab-Muslim and also a foreigner. Things have changed, moved forward.
Alongside the criticism are also calls to capitalize on the opportunity and find more Emirati investors to buy Arab teams in Israel, specifically Bnei Sachnin, which suffers from a lack of funding, was relegated to the second league and almost disbanded.
And most importantly: This doesn't need to end with soccer. This is the time for Israel's Arab citizens to exploit the momentum, expand their ties with senior Emirati officials and enjoy the fruits of peace. Political representatives of the Arab public in Israeli must initiate and cultivate relations with the UAE government and other Emirati leaders in the fields of commerce, economy, tourism, higher education and culture.
If Arab Israeli political leaders don't want to miss the train, they can follow the footsteps of the Palestinian Authority, whose policies they tend to adopt. Recall, after overcoming its initial bout of outrage, the PA returned its envoy to the UAE and even restored security coordination with Israel. Things are changing and moving forward, indeed.
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