Israel’s national team captain, Dor Peretz, expressed the profound emotional challenge of focusing on football amid ongoing conflict in his country. Speaking on Wednesday, just before the highly anticipated Nations League match against France in Budapest, Peretz articulated the struggle to remain present in the game while grappling with the harsh realities of war.
“It’s incredibly difficult to concentrate on the sport when our soldiers are fighting for our nation, and there are still hostages,” the 29-year-old midfielder stated. However, he also acknowledged the privilege of playing at such a critical time. “We understand that providing hope and joy to our nation through football is a significant responsibility,” he added.
Peretz emphasized the team’s pride in representing Israel, affirming, “There are things more important than the game, but we will do our utmost for our country.”
Israel’s manager, Ran Ben Shimon, echoed these sentiments, noting, “We are first and foremost citizens of our country, and everything that happens affects us deeply. Nevertheless, we must find the right balance… our mission is to focus on the match.”
The backdrop of this match is the intensified conflict in the region, which escalated after Hamas’s attacks on October 7 last year, resulting in significant casualties. Official figures indicate that Israel’s military response has led to over 42,000 fatalities in Gaza and substantial loss of life in Lebanon as a result of increased airstrikes against Hezbollah.
The unfolding situation underscores the complex intersection of sport and national identity during times of crisis, highlighting the resilience of the players and their commitment to their country amidst turmoil.
