Irish soccer star Robbie Keane
Photo: Reuters
Irish invasion
The “Green Invasion” of some 2,500 Irish soccer fans next week is expected to turn Hayarkon St. into a dazzling array of green, white, and orange
TEL AVIV - At a time when the country craves for increased tourism, Tel Aviv is eagerly anticipating the arrival next week of some 2,500 supporters of Ireland’s national soccer squad ahead of its World Cup qualifying match against the Israeli national team on March 26.
The Tel Aviv municipality is referring to the event as the “Green Invasion,” in which the Irish fans will receive an especially warm welcome by the city.
As an initial step, the fans will be greeted with green, white, and orange-colored candy as they arrive at Ben Gurion Airport. In addition, Hayarkon St. will be transformed into “Irish St.,” as greeting signs, along with Irish and Israeli flags, will be hanged along the street.
The guests will also receive discount coupons for the city’s Irish pubs.
To top off the festivities, a special Purim party for the Irish fans is expected to be held at Tel Aviv’s old port. The event, which is scheduled to kick off at 12 p.m., will include beer, Purim activities and games, musical groups, and dancers.
