A Seder service in Belfast proved the ideal preparation for the Israel football squad before the World Cup qualifying group game against Northern Ireland last week.
Celtic defender Rami Gershon — who played in the 2-0 defeat of the Irish — was among those who enjoyed the festival celebration in the squad’s hotel the previous evening.
He said that participating in a Seder before an important game “was very special. All the players were there as friends together. There was a family feeling. The Seder was taken by the coach, Eli Guttman, who said it was the first time he had made a Seder away from his own family. We then had a good game with a great score.”
Belfast Jewish Community’s Rabbi David Singer had offered to host the squad at the communal Seder but was told of the alternative arrangements.
