In a surprising revelation, legendary footballer David Beckham has been found eligible for Israeli citizenship due to his Jewish ancestry. This discovery, highlighted in Tom Bower's new biography "The House of Beckham: Money, Sex and Power," has prompted renewed interest in Beckham's family history and his connection to Judaism.
Under Israel's Law of Return, which grants the right of Aliyah (immigration to Israel) to individuals with at least one Jewish grandparent, Beckham qualifies for citizenship through his maternal grandfather, Joseph West. Born in London and raised in a Jewish household, West played a significant role in maintaining Jewish traditions within the family, as reported by JPost.
Beckham has previously spoken about his Jewish heritage with pride. In an interview at the St John's Wood Synagogue, he stated, "I am part of the Jewish community, and I am proud to say it." The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star fondly recalled weekly visits to his grandparents, where traditional Jewish dishes like chicken soup and matzah balls were regular features.
"Every Saturday morning, I used to see my grandfather – you'd walk in the house to my grandmother preparing chicken soup and matzah balls and latkes," Beckham reminisced, illustrating the deep-rooted Jewish traditions in his upbringing.
Further cementing his connection to his Jewish roots, Beckham sports a Hebrew tattoo on his left arm, quoting a passage from the Song of Songs in the Hebrew Bible: "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."
While Bower's biography does not directly address Beckham's Jewish connections, it offers an in-depth look at the Beckhams' public and private lives. The book has sparked discussions about the couple's relationship, careers, and efforts to maintain their global brand.
As news of Beckham's eligibility for Israeli citizenship spreads, it adds another fascinating dimension to the life story of one of football's most iconic figures. Whether Beckham will choose to pursue Israeli citizenship remains to be seen, but this revelation has certainly brought his Jewish heritage into the spotlight.
