Israeli sports

Israeli EuroCup, EuroLeague teams open their continental campaigns with mixed results across Europe

Lofton finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds, Smith added 18 points and Milton scored 14 in the win. Crockett led Rostock with 22 points, while Zach Copeland added 15.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
HAPOEL TEL AVIV’S Elijah Bryant shoots during the Reds’ 81-80 Euroleague victory over Red Star Belgrade.
KENNY LOFTON JR. has quickly emerged as a dominant force for Hapoel Jerusalem, showcasing the all-around ability that has made him one of the team’s most exciting new additions.

Jerusalem’s new basketball roster impresses as Lofton Jr. lives up to the hype

Jerusalem has assembled the talent, hired an experienced coach, and made its Euroleague ambitions clear. Now it must turn that potential into results.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
ISRAEL FANS at Nagyerdei Stadion, Debrecen, Hungary, wave flags after the match of the blue-and-white 3-0 loss to Ireland in Nations League action.

Ireland defeats Israel 3-0 amid pre-game controversy, plenty of pressure

The small group of Irish supporters cheered on their team, while the much larger and considerably noisier group of Israeli supporters cheered on Israel.

|ByALAN SHATTER
Israel Coach Ran Ben Shimon has challenged the blue-and-white to compete for the top two places in its Nations League group as the team begins a demanding international campaign.

Israel head coach Ran Ben Shimon addresses grueling schedule ahead of Nations League opener

Ben Shimon said Israel’s objective in the Nations League is clear: challenge for the top two places while recognizing the competition’s importance as a pathway toward the European Championship.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

US Open tennis highlights: Israelis and Jewish players in action

At the US Open, identifying players with even the slightest Jewish connection requires inside tips, additional sleuthing, and perseverance.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2025ByHOWARD BLAS
BETWEEN ISRAEL-BORN Canadian Denis Shapovalov (left) and the always-popular kosher food stand and minyan announcements (right) on the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the US Open definitely has its Jewish and Israeli fans covered.

From center court to new paths: A tale of two Israeli tennis legends - interview

Former Israeli tennis stars Shahar Peer and Julia Glushko reflect on their careers, life after the tour, and hopes for the next generation of Israeli players.

AUGUST 29, 2025ByHOWARD BLAS
SHAHAR PEER (left) and Julia Glushko (right) together while representing Israel at the Fed Cup in 2007.

Big moments define early-season league play

Beersheba storms back from 2 goals down to beat Netanya • Atzily’s brace secures Beitar’s win

AUGUST 26, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
MACCABI NETANA defender Saba Khvadagiani (left) vies for the ball with Hapoel Beersehaba’s Alon Turgeman during the Reds’ 4-2 Premier League victory

Getting Israeli players back to the top of the tennis landscape

The days of big-name Israelis playing in the baking hot sun or in the late-night chill of Queens, NY, in front of flag-waving, cheering Israeli supporters, are a distant memory.

AUGUST 21, 2025ByHOWARD BLAS
YONI ERLICH (left) and Dudi Sela (right) – playing together in the Davis Cup in 2013 – icons of Israeli tennis whose successors are hopefully just around the corner.

Soccer: Maccabi Tel Aviv marches on in Europe as Haifa and Beitar fall

Maccabi Tel Aviv beat Hamrun Spartans to reach the Europa League playoff round, as Maccabi Haifa and Beitar Jerusalem were knocked out of Europe.

AUGUST 17, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
Caption: MACCABI TEL AVIV players celebrate their third goal in a 3-1 second-leg victory over Hamrun Spartans, which secured the yellow-and-blue a 5-3 aggregate win and a spot in the Europa Leage Play-off.

Israel shines in kickboxing at World Games with two gold medals and a silver

Thursday's podium successes followed Shaked Nisimian's gold in women’s combat sambo, Nili Block's bronze, and Yulia Sachkov, Jodah Osaid, and Polina Grossman reaching the kickboxing finals.

AUGUST 14, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
ISRAELI KICKBOXER Yulia Sachkov reached the podium on Thursday at the World Game.

Remember the name: Israel U16 Men’s National Team's Omri Orland

The 15-year-old point guard has taken the Israeli youth basketball scene by storm and could very well be on track to the NBA.

AUGUST 14, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
ISRAELI POINT GUARD Omri Orland is turning heads across Europe with the Under-16 national team – and several respected scouts say he’s destined for the NBA.

Israeli 3X3 basketball team excluded from French tournament, citing ‘political conflicts’

Team Ramat Gan’s de-registration from Versailles organizers underscored the growing impact of politics on international sports and Olympic qualification

AUGUST 14, 2025ByJOANIE MARGULIES
ISRAELI 3x3 basketball team, Team Ramat Gan, gears up for international competition, determined to earn Olympic qualifying points despite obstacles.

Gold, bronze, and more to come for Israel at World Games

“Another amazing day with incredible results that once again show the outstanding athletes we have in Israel, especially in non-Olympic sports," said Arik Kaplan.

AUGUST 14, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
GOLD MEDALIST Shaked Nisimian (right) and fellow Israeli Nili Block, who took the bronze, pose together after their victories at the World Games in Chengdu, China.

Questions remain for Israel before EuroBasket

"We have to take everything in proportion, and it’s still very early in terms of preparing for the EuroBasket," said head coach Ariel Beit Halachmi.

AUGUST 12, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
WHILE ARIEL Beit Halachmi's Israel roster at the upcoming EuroBasket will feature guard Yam Madar, there are a number of other players – notably Tamir Blatt (not pictured) – who will be missing for the blue-and-white.