As if there wasn’t enough excitement already at the Ireland-Israel basketball tournament in Latvia on Thursday night, comments from one of the Israeli players, Dor Sar, added fuel to the fire.
Speaking on Israel’s official basketball website, which said the team “has not officially spoken with the Irish about their recent actions,” Saar, a US-based student, said: [Ireland] It’s no secret that he’s quite an anti-Semite, so expect a tough match. We need to show that we are better than them and win. We’re going to keep it to ourselves and leave it all up to the courts as always because we know they don’t love us. And especially in this game. ”
Basketball Ireland was more than a little outraged by Searle’s comments, branding them “inflammatory and completely inaccurate” in a statement to the Irish Independent. He said he had raised the matter with the International Basketball Federation FIBA.
Meanwhile, FIBA announced that it would investigate an online post by the Israeli federation that showed the Israeli Defense Force’s mixed-gender Balderas Battalion (commonly known as the Cheetahs) visiting teams during match preparations, including one assaulting the team. did. Weapons were lying next to the court where they were practicing.
The Cheetahs also include several female soldiers who have been operating in Gaza since October. “We are thrilled by the connection between the Cheetahs and the Israeli women’s basketball team. This reflects civil society’s support for the IDF,” said Nir, CEO of Sonol Energy, the team’s sponsor.・Mr. Galili said.
[ Malachy Clerkin: We know all the reasons for Ireland to play Israel at basketball. We also know it should not happen ]
[ Basketball Ireland CEO on playing Israel game: ‘I’m not prepared to destroy my sport for a gesture that will have no impact’ ]
Israel Basketball Association President Amiram Halevi confirmed the team’s collaboration with the IDF, who are participating “in cooperation with numerous activities and events in Israel” and are “delighted” to welcome them. said. A European Championship qualifier against Ireland is coming up.
“The situation is not easy,” said Israeli captain Eden Rotberg. “I personally have had a friend murdered and it has affected me tremendously, but ultimately this is our job and sport is healing and we are ready. , each one understands what she has to do here. There’s no reason we can’t win.”
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