Israeli sports

Israel’s ‘ice orphans’: Survival, legacy, and the battle for hockey gold in Sofia

For the small, bruised, and fiercely dedicated community of Israeli hockey, this tournament is absolutely everything.

|ByITAY GODER
Team Israel gathers on the ice at their last practice before the tournament.
Yedael Stepak is pictured above with his son Eran beside a chessboard.

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.

|ByITAY GODER
MACCABI TEL AVIV.

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

It was yet another game that demonstrated yet again how critical the club’s Israeli contingent is, as Roman Sorkin and Tamir Blatt both starred for Oded Katash’s squad.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
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

Israeli sports leagues prepare to resume under strict safety guidelines, with empty stadiums and arenas.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

Championship race coming down to wire

Zahavi hat-trick powers Maccabi Tel Aviv at Netanya • Beersheba clinging to lead with 2 games left

MAY 13, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
ERAN ZAHAVI (left) celebrates with his Maccabi Tel Aviv teammates after his hat-trick during the yellow-and-blue’s 6-1 away victory over Maccabi Netanya to keep the pressure on leader Hapoel Beersheba in the Israel Premier League championship race

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.

MAY 10, 2025ByFELICE FRIEDSON/THE MEDIA LINE
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.

MAY 4, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
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.

APRIL 20, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
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.

APRIL 20, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
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.

APRIL 18, 2025ByHOWARD BLAS
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.

APRIL 12, 2025ByJACOB GURVIS/JTA
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.

APRIL 10, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
: 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.

APRIL 9, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
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.

APRIL 7, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
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.