Israeli sports

Israeli MMA fighter Shimon Smotritsky earns unanimous decision win at 559 Fights 120 - interview

"When I fight like myself, freely, and without trying to entertain someone or try to hype the crowd up and do all this nonsense, I’m the best version of myself," Smotritsky says.

|BySAM HALPERN
Shimon Smotritsky (left) and James Porter at the weigh-ins ahead of their match at the 559 Fights 120 event in Porterville, California.
One of Hapoel Beersheba's Kings Kangwa with teammates and one of Beersheba's Dan Bitton celebrating goals

Maccabi Tel Aviv keeps pace in Third with conquest of Hapoe

After a fairly even opening 20 minutes, Mathew Cudjoe’s reckless tackle on Helder Lopes saw the midfielder sent off, leaving Sakhnin with only 10 men.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
DANIEL PERETZ begins a new chapter with Hamburger SV as he looks to secure the starting role in the Bundesliga.

Daniel Peretz to Southampton, Manor Solomon to Fiorentina in midseason moves - report

Reports say goalkeeper Daniel Peretz is nearing a loan move to Southampton, while winger Manor Solomon could switch from Villarreal to Fiorentina this month.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
FROM PLAYERS to fans, everyone was thrilled with Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Euroleague return to Israel, where the yellow-and-blue beat Villeurbanne 92-84 at Yad Eliyahu.

Tel Aviv beats Villeurbanne in first Euroleague game back in Israel since 2023

The first game back in Israel provided plenty of excitement as Lonnie Walker (29 points) and Roman Sorkin (26 points) led the way for the yellow-and-blue.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

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.

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.

APRIL 3, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
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