Israeli Basketball Star Daniel Raber Leads National Team Toward World Cup Qualifiers

Israel’s women’s national basketball team is preparing for a pivotal week as it enters the next round of qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA Women’s World Cup. With momentum already on its side, the team will look to extend its winning streak and secure a place in the next stage of the competition.

Under the leadership of head coach Shira Haelion, Israel currently holds an impressive 3–0 record in the qualifying campaign. The team now faces three crucial matchups in the coming days.

Israel will first take on Bosnia in Latvia, which will count as a home game due to logistical circumstances. The squad will then travel to Luxembourg before returning to Latvia to face Ireland in the final game of the window.

One of the key figures driving Israel’s success is veteran forward Daniel Raber. At 29, Raber brings experience, leadership, and international exposure to a team determined to keep its perfect record intact.

Currently playing club basketball for Olympiacos in Greece, Raber views representing Israel as the most meaningful part of her basketball journey.

“Representing the national team is always the most enjoyable part of the season,” she said.

This year, however, the experience carries even deeper significance.

“During wartime it feels even more meaningful,” Raber explained. “What we want most is to bring people a little comfort and, of course, to win.”

Despite her status as one of the team’s leaders, Raber emphasizes that Israel’s success depends on collective effort rather than individual performances.

“It’s never about individuals,” she said. “We’re one team and everyone contributes in different ways.”

That sense of unity has become one of Israel’s greatest strengths.

For Raber, returning to the national team environment after spending much of the year abroad is both energizing and emotional. The short training camps give players a rare chance to reconnect and build on relationships formed over years of competition together.

“Every national team window feels like a breath of fresh air,” she said. “I get to spend time with the girls and enjoy playing with friends I’ve been alongside for years.”

Among those close connections are teammates Eden Rotberg and Alyssa Baron. Their chemistry on the court has become a major advantage for the Israeli squad.

“Eden and I play almost blindly together because we know each other so well,” Raber said. “With Alyssa too, there’s a natural understanding.”

Preparing for international games can be challenging, particularly during a difficult period for the country. Limited preparation time and the logistical difficulties of gathering players from teams around the world make every training session crucial.

Still, Raber praised the dedication of the national team’s coaching staff.

“They prepare us extremely well,” she said. “We watch a lot of video and they do everything they can to get us ready.”

Beyond the national team, Raber’s club career continues to develop at a high level.

Her current season with Olympiacos in Greece has included competition in both the EuroLeague and EuroCup, giving her the opportunity to face some of Europe’s top teams.

“It’s been a season with ups and downs like any other,” Raber said. “But playing at that level is a challenge you don’t get every day.”

One especially emotional moment came when Olympiacos faced Ramla, the last Israeli club Raber played for before moving abroad.

“Seeing familiar faces again was very emotional,” she recalled. “I was happy we won, but it was great to see them.”

After the Greek league season concludes, Raber plans to return to Australia, where she has spent the past two summers playing during the European offseason.

She says the sports culture there has left a lasting impression.

“The attitude toward women’s sports there is eight levels above what we have here,” she explained.

Globally, Raber believes women’s basketball is experiencing significant growth, though she feels the sport still has room to expand in Israel.

Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing war, she sees encouraging signs of progress.

This year, for example, Israel hosted its first-ever All-Star event in women’s basketball — a milestone Raber believes reflects growing recognition for the sport.

“When arenas start filling up,” she said, “we’ll know things are truly moving in the right direction.”

Raber’s own journey offers a powerful message to younger athletes.

Her breakthrough came later than many professional players, around the age of 26 or 27, proving that persistence and patience can lead to success.

“Keep working hard, stay loyal to your path and be patient,” she advises young players.

Even after reaching major milestones, including competing in the EuroLeague, Raber remains motivated by new goals.

Her biggest dream is to help Israel reach the European Championship and guide the national team to achievements it has not experienced in years.

For now, the focus is on the upcoming qualifiers and the opportunity to keep Israel’s World Cup hopes alive.

As the team prepares for three decisive games, Raber and her teammates carry not only the ambition of victory but also the pride of representing their country on the international stage.

Israel’s athletes continue to inspire with determination, teamwork, and pride in representing their nation. Share this story and subscribe to our newsletter to follow more inspiring achievements from Israel and its people.