Two Israeli women’s basketball teams were forced to evacuate their game after Iranian missiles struck the country during the 2024-25 Preseason Tournament in Jerusalem. The attacks began in the second quarter, with explosions heard while Hapoel Lev Jerusalem was leading by 20 points. The players and coaches quickly sought shelter in a nearby bomb shelter, with no reported casualties from either team. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) instructed citizens to stay indoors and follow directions from the Home Front Command, while the Iron Dome antimissile defense system worked to intercept the incoming rockets.
Veteran Hapoel Lev player Shir Tirosh described the situation as “crazy,” reflecting on the fear and uncertainty that has become a part of daily life in Israel. She mentioned how she and her teammates have become more accustomed to these threats since October 2023. Tirosh also emphasized the importance of helping the foreign players on the team stay calm and informed about the ongoing situation. The recent barrage of missiles from Iran was said to be in retaliation for the killings of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders by Israeli airstrikes. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s warning of “crushing attacks” if Israel responds raised tensions even further.
Despite the fear and strain caused by the ongoing conflict, players like Zoe Wadoux expressed their commitment to staying safe and reassured their families that they were okay. Wadoux described the difficulty of being away from her loved ones during such turbulent times but maintained that she was doing her best to stay safe and keep in touch with them. Jewish American leaders condemned Iran’s actions and expressed solidarity with Israel, emphasizing the importance of supporting the country as it defends itself against threats. Iranian state media warned of more attacks if Israel retaliated, adding to the already tense situation in the region.
The development of sports in Israel has been affected by the ongoing conflict, with teams having to adapt to the reality of playing under the threat of missile attacks. Players and coaches have had to navigate these challenges while continuing to focus on the game. The resilience and determination shown by the athletes in the face of adversity reflect the strong spirit of unity and determination that exists within the Israeli sports community. Despite the disruptions caused by the missile strikes, the basketball teams remained committed to ensuring the safety of their players and staff, highlighting the importance of solidarity in times of crisis.
