Israel has a 20-strong team competing at the event which has drawn thousands of competitors from around the globe.

The team is led by Eyal Uzman, a fire commander from Rishon Lezion who is attending his fifth games.

He said: "The games are wonderful and it's nice to meet firefighters from all over the world."

That camaraderie was evident as members of his team swapped souvenirs with counterparts from Malaysia, a country which has no diplomatic relations with Israel.

He said: "Here we are all brothers, we are like family. We leave the wars for the politicians."

WELCOME TO LIVERPOOL: Israeli team captain Eyal Uzman from Rishon Lezion is welcomed by Cllr Eddie Clein, Liberal Democrat group leader on the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority and a competitor in the table-tennis tournament

The Israeli team was greeted by Cllr Eddie Clein, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Liverpool City Council and who has claimed a medal for Great Britain in the table tennis event.

The 71-year-old came through five rounds to reach yesterday's final. He is guaranteed a silver medal, one better than the bronze he claimed at the last games in Hong Kong.