Soccer star pops up at Shabbos

OWN CORRESPONDENT

Furman has 44 caps, including captaining the national side on numerous occasions. He has played in England at various clubs throughout his career, and over the past few years, has been playing with local team Supersport United. He spoke about his life, career, and challenges, accepting a “volley” of questions from the enthusiastic crowd.

In answer to Rav Herrmann’s question about his Jewish identity, Furman said he was proud of his heritage, and enjoyed explaining elements of his faith to players and officials when the opportunity arose.

“I know it’s out there, but I have not really experienced any form of anti-Semitism in my career,” he said. In the change-room, the players “take the mickey out of everyone – short, tall, fat, thin, black, white, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, atheist – everyone’s fair game and it’s done in good spirit”. Furman married his long-time partner, Natasha, at a shul in England in June.