Scoring Goals, Facing Walls: The Israeli Sports Paradox in Europe
Olympic triumphs aside, Israeli athletes in Europe face subtle discrimination and a growing sense of exclusion.
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Israeli sports have made significant strides on the international stage over the past decade, particularly in the last 4 years, with two exceptionally successful Olympic Games. Israel has solidified its status as a powerhouse in several Olympic disciplines, notably judo, gymnastics, and sailing.
Team sports, however, remain a challenge. With the possible exception of basketball, where Israel ranks among Europe’s top 15 national teams, collective achievements have been limited. That said, Israeli basketball has seen a massive leap forward, especially with the emergence of three Israeli players now competing in the NBA, the best basketball league in the world.
But recent developments remind us that success on the field does not always translate into acceptance off of it. A troubling incident involving Deni Avdija, who was compared to a Nazi by the wife of a Boston Celtics player, underscores the toxic undercurrents that still exist in global sports culture. Similarly, Shon Weissman’s recent contract cancellation by Fortuna Düsseldorf serves as another red flag, raising concerns about how Israeli athletes are treated abroad.
Moreover, Israeli clubs competing in European tournaments are often forced to play their home matches at neutral venues, even when there is no credible security threat. This is not merely a safety precaution, it is increasingly perceived as an act of humiliation. One cannot forget the disgraceful treatment endured by Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam last year.
Yet amid these dark clouds, there are also rays of light. This week brought good news: Oscar Gloukh officially signed with Ajax Amsterdam and was given the prestigious number 10 jersey, a clear sign of respect and trust in his potential.
Israeli sports today exist in a kind of limbo, caught between growing respect and increasing rejection, especially in Europe. A continent where countries like Qatar are investing heavily to purchase influence, while in parallel, subtle efforts seem to be underway to marginalize and silence Jewish presence in global arenas.
One thing is for sure - as long as trump is on good terms with the president of FIFA we should be ok.