The Israeli police announced last week that due to the war in Gaza, "Teams in the Arab sector cannot host Jewish teams this Saturday. The dangers in Jewish cities are lower than those in Arab cities."  And the New Israel Fund, which has led the fight against racism in Israel’s most popular sport, vehemently protested.

An NIF press release said: "Israel as a democratic society in which many believe in true civil equality, must defend itself against the threat of missiles. But at the same time, it must act against the dangers of discrimination against the Arab minority, which generates tension that threaten the unity of society."

Arab and Jewish fans enjoying soccer together in Sakhnin. 

NIF's campaign combating racism in soccer was able to use its close contacts with both Arab soccer clubs and the police to convince the latter that canceling the games would intensify alienation in the Arab sector, while allowing the games to be played provided an opportunity to show that coexistence is still alive and well. Within days, the police reversed their decision and last week's matches took place with exemplary behavior by both Arab and Jewish fans.