The Israeli embassy has called on the community to "come and show your support for Israel" in its football match against Wales - but the appeal has fallen on deaf ears as far as Welsh Jews are concerned.

The game in Cardiff in September could seal Wales' place in the 2016 European Championships, which would be their first appearance at a major tournament in 58 years.

A proud Welshman Howard Jacobson - who shares a name with an English Jewish novelist - was in doubt about who he was supporting. "It's definitely Wales for me. There are no split loyalties. If it were Israel against someone else I'd want Israel to win, but in this case it's Wales." But he added: "I'd encourage Jews to come from all over Britain to Cardiff to support Israel if they're inclined to do that."

However his son, professional footballer Joe Jacobson, a former Wales under-21 captain, was more diplomatic, joking: "I support the team who wins, really. I've played with a lot of the guys in the current Wales squad so I'd love them to get to Euro 2016, but I'd also love Israel to qualify."

Stanley Soffa, the chairman of the Cardiff Jewish Representative Council, said he would be at the game, "cheering for Wales".

Philip Kaye, Israel's Honorary Consul in Wales and a Cardiff City fan, said: "I'll be happy whatever the result. Born and bred in Wales and representing Israel, I couldn't be in a better position."

Shimon Cohen, chairman of the PR Office public relations firm, said: "I'm a member of the Welsh Football Association and I was born in Wales. This is the most exciting period for Welsh football in my lifetime and the best opportunity for us to qualify for a major tournament.

"I'll be taking my three daughters to the game, and we'll be dressed head-to-toe in red."

However, he said that "Jews from up and down the country should go to the game and fly the Israeli flag. That would be great."