Basketball

Despite Tel Aviv being awarded the game on the court after the game was abandoned, the Israel Basketball Association will issue a final ruling on the situation at a later time.

Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem’s semifinal opener was halted after three quarters, as fans were evacuated following updated Home Front Command restrictions.

After falling at home in Game 1, the Reds needed to dig deep, both mentally and physically, to take Game 2 on the road and then Game 3 back at Yad Eliyahu.

Vasilije Micic and Oz Blayzer lead Hapoel Tel Aviv past Maccabi Rishon 95-69, forcing a decisive third game, while Hapoel Jerusalem sweeps Hapoel HaEmek to reach the semifinals.

“No athlete should have to choose between representing their country and feeling safe or accepted in their sport.”

The game was close after the opening quarter, but that was because Madar was just warming up for what was to be a historical night for Israeli basketball.

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion praised Avdija for representing the State of Israel as a public figure in the US and for bringing pride to Jews and Israelis worldwide. 

Antisemitism and international boycotts jeopardize the future of Israel’s sporting sector.

The round of games was also overshadowed by the death of Hapoel Galil Elyon’s Israeli guard Raz Adam last week at the age of 26 in a car accident.

The initiative was created in response to requests from members of the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization, who said basketball had become an important outlet in helping them cope with trauma.