Israeli sports

Miracle in Sinaia: Israeli underdogs break Soviet chess dominance in 1965

In 1965, a group of Israeli amateurs shocked the Soviet chess elite, securing a moral victory in the Cold War arena. The "Miracle in Sinaia" remains a powerful symbol of Israeli resilience.

Yedael Stepak is pictured above with his son Eran beside a chessboard.
MACCABI TEL AVIV.

Maccabi Tel Aviv keeps Euroleague Playoff hopes alive with win over Fenerbahce

Football and basketball leagues across Israel are pushing ahead with plans to complete their seasons as the war continues.

Getting back to the games while under fire

ANTONION BLAKENEY (left) and Elijah Bryant helped lead Hapoel Tel Aviv to a 93-82 Euroleague victory over Paris this week

Hapoel Tel Aviv downs Paris; Jerusalem eliminated by Turk Telekom


How Jewish athletes are preparing for the first Maccabiah since October 7

This summer’s Maccabiah Games mark Israel’s first major international event since Oct. 7, 2023, spotlighting Jewish unity, Israeli resilience, and the power of sport.

 OPENING CEREMONY, Maccabiah 2022

Manor Solomon’s moment of magic lifts Leeds United to Championship glory

Reports suggest Tottenham are open to selling Solomon for £15–20 million – a fee that now seems like a bargain for a player who has become a fan favorite.

Leeds United's Israeli forward Manor Solomon celebrates after scoring the Championship title-clinching goal against Plymouth Argyle in a 2-1 win on Saturday.

Israeli gymnasts shine at European Acrobatic Championships

Israel's national acrobatic gymnastics team delivered a standout performance at the 2025 European Championships in Luxembourg, winning two gold medals and two silver.

 European Acrobatic Championship Luxembourg 2025 Israel Mixed Pair takes the Gold with the highest score of the competition.

Israel’s Ben Saraf sets sights on NBA Draft

At just 19, Saraf has shown immense promise during his standout season with Ulm in the German Bundesliga, drawing attention from several NBA teams.

 ISRAELI GUARD Ben Saraf is projected to be picked in the first round of June's NBA Draft

How Deni Avdija quietly became Portland’s most reliable star

Freed from a supporting role, Deni Avdija found his rhythm—and emerged as the Blazers’ most reliable force on both ends of the court.

 DENI AVDIJA speaks to reporters upon his return to Israel this week following a NBA season that saw him take his game to the next level with the Portland Trail Blazers.

From 5 a.m. tipoffs to bar mitzvah trips, Israelis are reveling in Deni Avdija’s breakout season

As Deni Avdija shines with the Trail Blazers, Israeli fans are waking up early, cheering late, and embracing every moment.

 Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts in the final minutes of a 127-113 win over the Atlanta Hawks on April 1, 2025.

Hapoel Tel Aviv set for EuroCup glory with one win needed to reach Euroleague

Hapoel Tel Aviv’s resilience and bold moves have led them to the EuroCup finals, with Euroleague in sight.

 : HAPOEL TEL AVIV players celebrate their Game 1 victory over Gran Canaria in the EuroCup finals, with a potentially title-clinching Game 2 set for Friday night.

Hapoel Tel Aviv opens EuroCup finals with convincing conquest of Gran Canaria

Hapoel Tel Aviv is now one step closer to capturing the EuroCup title and a place in the Euroleague next season.

 JOHNATHAN MOTLEY lays in the ball for Hapoel Tel Aviv in its 74-65 Game 1 victory over Gran Canaria in the EuroCup finals, with Game 2 set for Friday night.

From the road to the top for Hapoel Tel Aviv

Itoudis, Reds tip off EuroCup final vs Gran Canaria in Bulgaria with Euroleague qualification on the line.

 HAPOEL TEL AVIV coach Dimitrios Itoudis embarked with his team to Bulgaria for Game 1 of the EuroCup best-of-3 final vs Gran Canaria.

Nev Schulman running for athletes with disabilities at the Jerusalem Marathon

His participation underscores his commitment to inclusion in sports and advocacy for individuals with special needs.

 MTV’s ‘Catfish’ host Nev Schulman – an avid Israel supporter – is set to run the Jerusalem Marathon on Friday in support of athletes with disabilities