Barber in action
צילום: איי פי
Peres invites NFL star to Israel
New York Giants running-back Tiki Barber set to visit Israel next week as goodwill ambassador for peace
TEL AVIV - First Vice Premier Shimon Peres brought leading international soccer coach Jose Mourinho to Israel, then he invited Brazilian soccer superstar Ronaldo to serve as a special envoy for the Peres Center for Peace.
Now Peres is now looking to a different sport in the name of peace between Israel and the Palestinians, and has invited the NFL's New York Giants running-back Tiki Barber to visit Israel next week.
During a visit to the U.S. several weeks ago, Peres coincidently met Barber at a restaurant.
While Peres admitted to not knowing much about American football, his associates dining with him ensured him that Barber is one of NFL's most popular players, which was enough for Peres to invite Barber to visit Israel as a goodwill ambassador for peace.
Barber happily accepted the invitation and even handed Peres his personal telephone number.
No misconceptions
Barber told Ynet that while he has no misconception of his personal ability to bring peace to the Middle East, he does believe that sport demonstrates the idea of trying to succeed using all available means, which includes the struggle for peace.
He said he believes Peres represents the ability to compromise, team spirit and a commitment to an unselfish path in a bid to reach a common goal.
Barber is considered one of the most likable sportsmen in American football and is known for his active services to the public, such as raising 70,000 gallons of milk for Newark's needy community and belonging to the United Nations' UNICEF organization.
