Watch: Rivlin vs. London mayor in friendly soccer game
President hosts London Mayor Boris Johnson at event run by The Equalizer project, which promotes the education of children from diverse backgrounds through soccer.
Rivlin and Johnson met with about 30 of the project's pupils, 10-12-year-olds from two different Jerusalem schools. The two later engaged the kids in a short friendly soccer game. During a group photo, President Rivlin began singing the Liverpool FC anthem, You'll Never Walk Alone. Others quickly joined him.
Rivlin thanked Johnson at the game's opening and congratulated the project's participants and organizers. He said he was very happy to take part in the British Embassy's initiative, which brings all Israelis together through sports.
Rivlin added that one example of coexistence in Israel is the sight of Jewish and Muslim children playing soccer together, not just against each other, but on the same teams. He emphasized the value of fair play, saying that Israel is committed to having a sports culture clean from racism and non-sportsmanlike incitement, which are unthinkable in a civilized society.
Johnson thanked the President and the project's creators for inviting him to take part, and praised it for promoting coexistence and tolerance in Israel.
