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Dec 3, 2023, 3:52 PM

I was not a very sporty kid growing up. But, I knew that I hated being picked last for Gym class teams. The same kids would always be picked to be team captains. And, they would always choose their...

Nov 26, 2023, 7:52 PM

Israel Unfiltered: UFC Fighter Natan Levy Takes Jew-Hatred Head-On

In the often unpredictable world of mixed martial arts, UFC fighter Nathan Levy is not only known for his skills in the octagon but also for his unwavering commitment to confronting Antisemitism. In the latest episode of Israel Unfiltered,...

Nov 1, 2023, 11:26 PM

Dreaming of Peace… and Rugby World Cup Glory (whilst remembering Adam)

A photo of Adam Agmon (of blessed memory), who fell in battle rescuing residents at Kibbutz Kissufim, as shared by his brother, Yahel, Oct, 13, 2023. (sourced from the NZ Herald site)

This Post is dedicated to the memory of Adam Agmon. Tel Aviv Heat kick-off the 3rd Super Cup season this Saturday against the Lusitanos in Lisbon. Catch them on Rugby Europe TV (live steam at 18:00 and then on...

Oct 18, 2023, 10:53 PM

We can’t afford to lose!

Israel national flag waving in the wind on a deep blue sky. Creator: sezer ozger
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

I found an article published on WebMD in 2021 entitled, "Is Being a Diehard Sports Fan Good for Your Mental Health? One of the reasons given in favor of being a sports fan was 'escapism'. "Cheering on your favorite...

James M. Dorsey

Oct 4, 2023, 9:40 AM

The politics of Saudi and Iranian sports

Saudi and Iranian sports have politics written into their DNA. Little more than a decade ago, Saudi Arabia fielded three expatriate Saudi women athletes at the 2012 London Olympics to avoid an International Olympic Committee (IOC) ban on participation. The IOC...

Sep 20, 2023, 5:49 PM

How Tal Brody helped put Israel on the map

Tal Brody recently celebrated his 80th birthday. Brody helped snap the country out of its deep funk following the 1973 Yom Kippur War. He was captain of the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball team that captured the 1977 European championship,...

James M. Dorsey

Sep 10, 2023, 10:30 PM

Gulf sports diplomacy could enter choppy waters.

Storm clouds may be gathering, potentially casting a shadow over Saudi Arabia's shock-and-awe sports buying spree and complicating the geopolitical and geoeconomic sports strategies of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. So far, it's been smooth sailing for autocratic Gulf...

Sep 4, 2023, 3:10 AM

In two weeks, Jews across the world will celebrate Rosh Hashanah. During the Rosh Hashanah season, many have a custom to set ambitious long-term goals. Some of us aim to join a gym and drop 30 pounds. Some of...

James M. Dorsey

Aug 29, 2023, 4:15 PM

The Politics of Middle East Sports: A Conversation with Karim Zidan

James M. Dorsey with Karim Zidan Below is a transcript of the podcast. A Transcript is also available at The Turbulent World with James M. Dorsey . A podcast version is available on Soundcloud. Gulf States like Saudi Arabia and Qatar...

Jamie Evan Bichelman

Aug 25, 2023, 11:59 PM

Inside the Mind of Emily Austin

Emily Austin poses with Israel President Isaac Herzog in celebration of Sheba Medical Center's 75th anniversary. Photo | Emily Austin via Instagram

It’s a windy Wednesday in New York City when I meet Emily Austin in the midst of a whirlwind of to-dos. Earlier in the morning, an interview with Fox News was on the docket; later in the day, planning...

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