Football fans in western Europe have been tripping over themselves to offer messages of welcome to Syrian refugees.
Hard-nosed Israel appears to be bucking the trend. Fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv unveiled a banner somewhat uncharitably declaring 'Refugess Not Welcome'.
Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) "Refugees not welcome" pic.twitter.com/uPItb04QNO
— It's an ultra life (@itsultralife01) September 12, 2015
In this, they are echoing the stance of their uncompromising prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu who has said Israel will not be accepting any refugees - though he did say they will offer help to those injured via a field hospital near the border. According to the Telegraph, rival clubs have been more accommodating with Hapoel Tel Aviv responding by asking 'Who isn't a migrant here?'
אוהדי הפועל ת"א מראים אנושיות במשחק מול מכבי נתניה pic.twitter.com/romSZb8lNu — Yoav Cohen (@ycohen84) September 12, 2015
Israel was at war with Syria in 1948, 1967, 1973 and 1982. Israel still retains control of the Golan Heights, captured during the 1967 Six Day War and there are 41 Israeli settlements in the territory.
