Players dribble in for streetball

“It’s a big event for us, but we’re also here to have fun,” says participant.

By SHANA MEDEL
Over 1,000 players from across the country took part in the 19th consecutive Streetball Basketball Tournament. (photo credit: SHANA MEDEL)
Over 1,000 players from across the country took part in the 19th consecutive Streetball Basketball Tournament.
(photo credit: SHANA MEDEL)
Participants and observers gathered in the capital’s Safra Square to compete in the 19th consecutive Streetball Basketball Tournament.
The Jerusalem Municipality in cooperation with the Israel Basketball Association hosted the three day event.
With over 1,000 players and hundreds of teams from across the country, Safra Square became the main stadium for urban streetball.
“You don’t have to be professional to compete,” said Alon Hassid, the professional manager of the tournament.
With no age limit imposed by tournament organizers, the game attracted nine-year-old boys and girls as well as 50-year-old men and women. Competitors simply had to register online to be eligible to participate.
While some players raced onto the courts to practice, others sat in shaded areas, chatting with their teammates.
“I like the Jerusalem atmosphere,” said Yuval Friedman, a 15-year-old Hapoel Holon player. “I’m excited to play, have fun and hopefully win.”
Nadav Sheffy, a 15-year-old player on the Splashim streetball team, echoed Friedman’s sentiments.
“I’m here to play and to have fun with my team,” Sheffy said.
The Streetball Tournament is more than just a competitive event for sports enthusiasts. A mutual love for street basketball can bridge cultural divides, connect teammates and even bring families closer together.
His passion for sports and family led Alon Moreshet to accompany his 12-year-old son, Ori, to the tournament.
“We came all the way from the Golan Heights for three days of excitement,” said Moreshet as he placed his arm around Ori.
This week marks a considerable step for Ori. Prior to the Streetball Tournament, he had played basketball only in his garage. But his afternoons of practicing paid off when he registered as a Maccabiah Golan player.
“It’s a big event for us, but we’re also here to have fun,” Moreshet said.