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In high-school soccer, Netanyahu was left-winger

Four former classmates from Philadelphia send yearbook to the prime minister, who missed graduation in 1967 to join the IDF

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plays with a soccer ball as he meets young cancer patients and the FC Barcelona soccer team, prior to FC Barcelona's open practice in Jaffa's Bloomfield Stadium, near Tel Aviv, Sunday, August 4, 2013 (photo credit: Avi Ohayon/GPO/Flash90)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plays with a soccer ball as he meets young cancer patients and the FC Barcelona soccer team, prior to FC Barcelona's open practice in Jaffa's Bloomfield Stadium, near Tel Aviv, Sunday, August 4, 2013 (photo credit: Avi Ohayon/GPO/Flash90)

Some suburban Philadelphia high school alumni say they’ve sent a 1960s yearbook to one of their most famous classmates, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Philadelphia Daily News reported classmates from Cheltenham High School’s Class of 1973 sent Netanyahu his 1967 yearbook.

Netanyahu left school around the time of the Six Day War in June 1967 and joined the Israel Defense Forces, causing him to miss out on graduation and his yearbook.

None of the four classmates knew Netanyahu. But they sent him a note congratulating him on winning his fourth term.

Benjamin Netanyahu as a soldier in Sayeret Matkal (Photo credit: Wikicommons/ GPO)
Benjamin Netanyahu as a soldier in Sayeret Matkal (Photo credit: Wikicommons/ GPO)

The yearbook says Netanyahu was on the debate and the chess club while at Cheltenham. He also played left wing for the soccer team.

“That was the exact opposite of his political views,” Chuck Langerman, one of the classmates, said.

They said Netanyahu responded with a personal card.

“Thank you for your kind message of congratulations and support. I appreciate your sending me the copy of the Cheltenham High School yearbook. It brought back many fond memories,” the prime minister wrote.

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