Former Gaza hostage, Argentinian-Israeli Luis Har, is preparing for the World Cup final, in which Argentina will face Spain on Sunday night.
Har told 103FM about his love of soccer, his anticipation ahead of the major match, and the conversations he had about soccer with his Hamas terror captors in Gaza.
When asked whether he spoke with his captors about soccer, Har replied, “We spoke about it here and there, mainly about Lionel Messi.”
According to Har, one of his captors even updated him on the results of matches played while he was being held hostage.
“In December 2023, there was a match between Argentina and Brazil. Argentina won 1-0, and I know all of this only from one of the captors. All the information we received, for better or worse, came from him. But we must not forget, he was a Hamas terrorist, and he only told me what suited him.”
Soccer's ability to create connection across ideological differences
Har also addressed soccer’s ability to create connections between people and communities.
“The influence of soccer on the public brings people together,” he said.
According to Har, that connection is also evident in the support he has received since returning to Israel.
“It reminds me what a wonderful people we have. The support I receive from people proves that the Jewish people are something incredible.”
When asked whether sports can bridge cultural and political divides, Har replied, “I am very optimistic and think sports can bridge divides.”
However, he expressed reservations about bringing political messages into sports venues.
“On the other hand, it disgusts me when politics or things like that are brought into sports, like what happened with the Egyptian national team coach who appeared with a Palestinian flag. I do not think that should be part of sports.”
Har later addressed the extremism that sometimes accompanies soccer fandom.
“I am against every form of fanaticism,” Har said. “Look at what just happened in Argentina following the victory and the goal. The entire country went outside, everyone. All of Argentina supports Argentina. But within Argentina, ask someone from Boca about River, and he will hit you,” he added with a chuckle.
Har was referring to Boca Juniors and River Plate, respectively - two of the largest and most successful teams in Buenos Aires, and fierce sports rivals.
Har held in Hamas captivity for 129 days
Luis Har was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak on October 7, 2023, and rescued in a military operation in Rafah after 129 days in captivity. During the interview, he also addressed the fate of his captors.
“We were told they had all been killed,” he said. “It is almost certain that those who were around us, those who guarded us from the neighboring building or from downstairs, were eliminated immediately. They also threw a grenade toward us inside the house, and I think all the others were killed there.”