When Israel’s U20 women’s basketball team reached the FIBA European Championship Final, I was not just watching another basketball game. I was watching a moment that connected two of the biggest parts of my identity: being Jewish and being a basketball player.
Growing up, basketball has always been one of the biggest parts of my life. It has taught me discipline, resilience, teamwork, and how to overcome adversity. At the same time, being Jewish has always been a core part of who I am. Most of the time, those two parts of my identity exist side by side, but every once in a while, they come together in a way that reminds me why they both matter so much.
For Israeli basketball, this achievement represents a major milestone. Israel is not traditionally viewed as one of Europe’s dominant basketball nations, especially compared with countries that have decades of success and much larger basketball systems. Reaching the final showed the growth of Israeli women’s basketball and the ability of young Israeli athletes to compete at the highest level against some of the strongest programs in Europe. It was not just a surprising tournament run; it was evidence of the talent, development, and dedication within Israeli basketball.
On the surface, this is a basketball achievement. Israel reached a stage it had never reached before, showing that it can compete among Europe’s best. But to me, this moment represents something much greater than a place in a tournament.
As a Jewish basketball player growing up in America, I have found ways to connect my identity and my love for basketball through experiences like the JCC Maccabi Games. Those moments allowed me to celebrate being Jewish while competing alongside other Jewish athletes. However, seeing Israel’s U20 team compete on an international stage felt different. These players were not just representing a community event or a group of Jewish athletes; they were representing Israel on a global stage against some of the best basketball nations in the world.
Israel’s U20 Women’s EuroBasket team celebrates its historic run to the European Championship final. Image via Follow Team Israel (Facebook)
Seeing players who are not much older than me compete at that level was incredibly meaningful. Several members of the team are continuing their basketball careers at major universities, including Gal Raviv at the University of Miami and Maya Zilbershlag at Purdue University. Seeing athletes so close to my age pursue their dreams at the next level shows that Israeli basketball players can reach incredible heights. Watching them pursue their goals makes me want to keep pushing toward that stage someday. It reminds me that with commitment and dedication, reaching higher levels of competition is possible.
Seeing athletes who share my heritage compete on such a large stage also made me think about my own future in basketball. One day, I would love the opportunity to represent Israel or Czechia, honoring the communities, histories, and identities that have shaped me. Watching this team reminded me that representing something bigger than yourself is one of the most meaningful parts of sports.
Basketball is a global sport, but Israel is rarely viewed as one of the traditional powers. Seeing these young athletes compete with confidence, passion, and belief showed me that greatness can come from anywhere. It reminded me that success is not defined by population size, history, criticism, or expectations; it is earned through hard work, belief, and the willingness to keep improving.
Being Jewish is not limited to one country. Whether I am playing basketball on a local or international court, connecting with my Jewish community, celebrating my heritage, or spending time in Israel, those parts of my identity are connected. When Israel succeeds, it creates a sense of pride and connection for Jewish people around the world because it represents more than just a team; it represents a community.
This achievement also carries significance beyond basketball. By reaching this stage, Israel places itself more firmly on the global basketball map. This visibility gives the world the opportunity to see another side of Israel: a small country with passionate athletes, a growing basketball culture, and the ability to compete among the best.
Behind the significance of this moment are young athletes with their own dreams, sacrifices, and stories. They are players who have spent years practicing, overcoming challenges, and chasing the same goals as athletes everywhere. Their success allows people around the world to connect with them not only as representatives of Israel, but as individuals who love the game of basketball.
What stayed with me most was not simply seeing them reach the final, but watching the way they fought throughout the tournament. Seeing them battle back and refuse to give up until the final buzzer reminded me why I love basketball. Their effort showed that challenges do not define a team; the response to those challenges does. That mindset motivates me to become a better player and a better person. Every time I step onto the court, I want to carry that same determination to keep pushing, keep improving, and continue working toward my goals.
Another moment that will stay with me was hearing the cheers for Israel radiating through the television. For a team that has often felt overlooked, seeing people celebrate their passion and accomplishments was powerful. Even more meaningful was watching the players support and compliment one another after the game. Instead of focusing only on the outcome, they celebrated their effort, their journey, and what they accomplished together.
That is what makes this moment bigger than basketball. Sports have a unique ability to bring people together. They allow us to see individuals before labels, athletes before assumptions, and stories before expectations. Israel’s historic journey should serve as a reminder that perseverance, unity, and respect can inspire people far beyond the court.
As someone who is both Jewish and a basketball player, this moment means more to me than a final appearance or a tournament result. It reminds me that representation matters. It reminds young Jewish athletes that they belong on the biggest stages. And it reminds me that passion, resilience, and determination can overcome expectations.
To many people, this may have been just a basketball tournament.
To me, it was a reminder that sport has the power to connect identity, inspire communities, and show young athletes everywhere that they belong on the biggest stages in the world.
A high school student from Bedford, New Hampshire, Ariel is a Kenneth Leventhal Intern with StandWithUs, a student leader within BBYO, and a recipient of a Scholastic Writing Honorable Mention. Her semester studying abroad with Alexander Muss High School in Israel has deeply influenced her perspective on Jewish identity, history, and community.