Israel Curling Team Chases First Playoff Berth at European Championships

With determination etched into every move, Israel’s national curling team is carving its place into European Championship history. Competing in Division B of the prestigious tournament in Lahti, Finland, the team isn’t just playing for points they’re playing for pride, progress, and a shot at their first-ever playoff appearance.

Opening the tournament with a nail-biting loss to Slovakia, Team Israel responded with a dominant 10-5 win against Hungary, showcasing their strategic prowess and teamwork. While subsequent matches brought challenges falling to Belgium and Spain the squad remains focused, entering a critical stretch against Ireland, the Netherlands, and the host nation, Finland.

Guiding the team through the highs and lows are seasoned players Dmitry Abanin, Aaron Horowitz, and Alex Pokras. Their experience serves as the backbone of the squad, offering calm leadership in tense moments. Joining them is Doron Berger, a newcomer making a remarkable debut, whose precision and consistency have added a fresh dynamic to Israel’s gameplay.

“Our win over Hungary was an important step,” said Horowitz. “We came here with the goal of reaching the playoffs, and we feel we are moving in the right direction.”

But there’s more to this journey than stones and scores. Israel’s presence in Finland carries added weight amid political tensions that recently surfaced during the Eurovision Song Contest. Yet on the ice, the message is clear: mutual respect, professionalism, and sportsmanship prevail. Team representatives have praised the fair treatment received from fellow competitors and the Finnish hosts, reaffirming the unifying power of sports in turbulent times.

“The privilege of representing Israel on the international stage, especially during such a challenging period, is a great responsibility and a source of pride,” Pokras shared. “We are fighting for our country, on the ice and beyond.”

As the competition heats up, one thing is certain Israel’s curling team isn’t just playing a tournament. They are building legacy, forging connections, and proudly waving the flag of a nation that stands tall wherever it competes.

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