What’s new:
Hapoel Jerusalem clinched first place in Group G of the Basketball Champions League with a victory over PAOK, securing advancement to the Top 16. The game was notable not only for the team’s performance but also for the presence of recently released hostage Ofir Engel and his family, who were special guests at the event.
Why it matters:
The team’s success on the court is paired with its commitment to supporting those affected by terrorism. Hosting Ofir Engel, who was held hostage by Hamas, and his family at the game in Belgrade demonstrates Hapoel Jerusalem’s dedication to the community and its resilience in the face of adversity.
The big picture:
The celebration of Hapoel Jerusalem’s victory is twofold: while the team demonstrates excellence in sports, it also showcases the strong spirit of solidarity with victims of terror. This event is a testament to the club’s values and its role in fostering unity beyond the basketball court.
Details:
Chris Johnson, Levi Randolph, Zach Hankins, and Speedy Smith led Hapoel Jerusalem to a dominant second half, sealing the 71-61 win. The team had previously honored fans killed in the October 7 Hamas massacre and hostages still held in Gaza at a screening of their first game against PAOK. Ofir Engel’s family was featured prominently at that event, and now, with Ofir’s release, the family was able to witness the victory in person.
Alon Kremer, CEO of Hapoel Jerusalem, expressed the profound privilege of supporting families affected by the attacks. Next week, additional families will be flown to Belgrade for the team’s final regular season game.
In other news, Hapoel Tel Aviv is also making strides in the EuroCup, improving their record with a recent win against Wolves. The team’s efforts are highlighted by standout performances from Jaylen Hoard, Braian Angola, and Xavier Munford.
What they’re saying:
Aleksandar Dzikic, Hapoel Jerusalem’s coach, emphasized the importance of physical play and focus to secure the win against a tough PAOK team. Zach Hankins commented on the special presence of the affected families at the game, expressing hope for safety and peace.
Danny Franco, Hapoel Tel Aviv’s coach, praised his players’ focus and drive despite the challenges of the condensed schedule. MVP Jaylen Hoard reflected on the need for defensive improvement and the satisfaction of securing a hard-fought victory.
Looking ahead:
Hapoel Jerusalem will continue to balance their athletic aspirations with their community involvement, as they prepare for upcoming games and welcome more families to share in their journey. Meanwhile, Hapoel Tel Aviv aims to maintain momentum in the EuroCup as they work on refining their team dynamics.
This story was first published on jpost.com.