Israel’s Hoop Dreams
Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, sports have played an increasingly important role in the development of the country both at home and on the international stage. Despite its small population, Israel produces star athletes such as tennis champion Shachar Peer and soccer player Yossi Benayoun, who regularly make headlines for their achievements.
Although soccer is a fan favorite, basketball is one of the most popular sports in Israel. The Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club has proven major success abroad – most notable distinguishing itself as one of the best teams in Europe over the last decade.
Maccabi Tel Aviv was the first Israeli club to enter the European Champion Cup in 1958. Since then, they have played 577 games in the competition, and remain the first and only Israeli club to ever play in a final. They won five European Champion Cups (1977, 1981, 2001, 2004, 2005), and played in 11 Champions Cup finals. In 1980, Maccabi Tel Aviv won the Intercontinental Cup, and in 1994 and 2004 they organized the European “final4” in Tel Aviv.
The players of Maccabi Tel Aviv are treated like heroes in Israel. They have won the championship title 45 times, including 23 titles in a row from 1970-1992, and claimed the national cup 35 times. They’ve also won the local Premier League 36 out of the last 37 years, with Hapoel Jerusalem as their main rival.
Hapoel Jerusalem has also had success in the European arena, competing in the ULEB Cup, and winning in 2005. This national basketball team has also established itself as a force to be reckoned with. In August 2007, Hapoel Jerusalem again qualified for the Biannual EuroBasket championship, an event it has participated in since 1993.
Women’s basketball is also picking up speed in Israel, with two teams – Elitzur Ramle and Anda Ramat Hasharon – regularly battling for the league title. The two also compete in European competitions and abroad. In fact, female player Shay Doron became the first Israeli to play professional basketball in America in 2007, playing for the New York Liberty in the WNBA.
Picture source: Getty Images
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