Israeli soccer star tapped as new peace envoy

Sunday will be Zahavi’s first visit home since his $8 million transfer from Maccabi Tel Aviv to China's Guangzhou R&F two months ago.

Eran Zahav (photo credit: REUTERS)
Eran Zahav
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Former president Shimon Peres can no longer sign the appointments of Israel’s ambassadors who will serve the interests of the state abroad, but he can sign the appointment of a peace envoy to represent the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation.
That’s what he will be doing on Sunday when he officially appoints soccer star Eran Zahavi, a member of the Israel national team and currently an attacking midfielder for Guangzhou R&F in China. This is Zahavi’s first visit home since his $8 million transfer from Maccabi Tel Aviv to the Chinese team two months ago.
A champion goal scorer, Zahavi will participate in a showcase practice match with members of the Peres Peace team made up of both Israelis and Palestinians, and will also receive the appointment, which will signify his involvement in efforts for peace and tolerance through football in Israel and beyond