Israeli sports

A trip to the 'boy aquarium': Discovering Israel's thriving hockey scene

I’ll admit, this was the first time I’ve ever watched a sports game of any kind in my adult life, and I could not believe how much fun it was.

|BySHIR PERETS
Jerusalem's capitals and Ashdod's Dolphins played a close game, keeping us on the edge of our seats all night.
SOUTH AFRICAN players participate in the inaugural Diski 18 program in Johannesburg.

Diski 18 brings together Israeli soccer players and South African youth

The delegation is part of the Jewish Agency’s Partnership2gether initiative and was made possible through the collaboration of community leaders and volunteers from both Israel and South Africa.

|ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Yam Madar in Maccabi Tel Aviv uniform.

Israeli guard Yam Madar signs three-year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv after leaving rival Hapoel

The 25-year-old point guard (1.90m), who grew up supporting Maccabi, joins the Israeli League and State Cup champion under head coach Oded Katash.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
Gymnasts compete during the Israeli Gymnastics Championships and the Maccabiah Gymnastics Championships at Pais Arena in Jerusalem, July 10, 2026.

Cuban delegation to Maccabiah Games overcomes significant hurdles to reach Israel

"If you can see people, for example, with kippah on the street, with tefillin or tallit, it’s like to be inside of the synagogue, a big synagogue. It’s amazing to be here.”

|ByJACOB GURVIS/JTA

International Olympic Committee rejects Spanish calls to expel Israel

The Spanish Prime Minister called for Israeli teams to be barred from participating in the 2026 Olympics, citing the Israel Hamas-War.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
: ISRAEL FLAG BEARERS Romi Paritzki and Tom Reuveny during the closing ceremony for the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade de France.

Winner Epic Israel marks a decade of cycling for sport, land, and community

The four-day mountain biking event aims to physically challenge while fostering heartfelt connections within the cycling community.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Gal Tsachor, this week kicked off the 10th annual edition of Winner Epic Israel, a race dedicated to resilience, community, and the enduring legacy of his late father Giora.

Sergei Lysov’s New York breakthrough in wheelchair tennis

Now, as he competes internationally, Lysov proudly represents Israel. His racket features an Israeli flag damper, and his tennis wheelchair is adorned with yellow ribbons as a tribute to the hostages

SEPTEMBER 11, 2025ByHOWARD BLAS
One of Israeli tennis player Sergei Lysov at the US Open.

Brazil, Hungary, and Israel kick off Grand Prix soccer tournament in Ramle

Symbolizing coexistence, Israel's mixed city stages global tournament as sports and solidarity return to the Holy Land.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
RAMLE IS hosting teams from Brazil, Hungary, and Israel this week in the Peace & Friendship World League, the first international soccer tournament held in the country since October 7.

Spanish chess tournament bans Israeli flags, global body overrules

A ban on Israeli flags at a Spanish chess tournament brings Israeli chess player Erez Kupervaser back to Oct. 7 and memories of his sister who was murdered by Hamas terrorists at Nova music festival.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2025ByYOAV ETIEL
Chess players from Russia and Israel play at the 31st Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, August 21, 2025.

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.