The Dilemma of the Israeli Soccer Player In Europe

Last month, soon after the shooting at the Charlie Hebdo office in Paris, terrorists attacked a Jewish grocery store in the center of the city. French President Francois Hollande said the act was "unquestionably anti-semitic." The attack was part of a rising wave of anti-Semitism in Europe that includes both radical Islamic groups and the swelling ranks of far-right parties with neo-Nazi leanings such as Greece's Golden Dawn.

Jewish leaders all across Europe have called on their governments to give Jewish centers, schools, and synagogues extra protection amid the latest wave of terrorist attacks. In Israel, several prominent political leaders have called on Jews in Europe to immigrate to Israel immediately.

"European Jewry must understand that there is just one place for Jews, and that is the state of Israel," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A sentiment echoed by Yair Lapid, the head of the centrist Yesh Atid party, "I wish to tell to all French and European Jews—Israel is your home."

But what about Israeli Jewish soccer players who currently call Europe home? Are they in any rush to return to Israel?

"It's definitely not a comfortable time to be a Jew in Europe," said one Israeli soccer player who asked to remain anonymous. "My wife and I do our best not to speak Hebrew when we are out, especially when we are in an Arab area or near an Arab restaurant. Right now is a very stressful time because of all the terror across Europe so we are much more cautious than before."

Meanwhile, Tomer Hemed, who is currently starring for La Liga side Almeria, says he is not worried. He believes that Spain is much safer than other European countries, and says he is proud to be an Israeli in Europe. "I am not more nervous now that the attack happened," Hemed says. "I feel comfortable and safe in this city, the situation here is good."

Another Israeli player, 29-year-old defender Idan Weitzman, says the terrorist attacks haven't affected him either. The defensive midfielder made the surprising move from Israel to Azerbaijani side Simurq PIK in 2013. Surprising because, according to several media outlet reports, terrorists have planned several attacks in Azerbaijan against Jewish and Israeli targets—including an attempt to bomb the Israeli embassy in the nation's capital of Baku. In the end, all of the attacks were foiled by Azerbaijani security forces.

Despite all the planned attacks against Jews and Israelis in recent years, Weitzman explained that he feels 100 percent safe and that the local people respect him and that he respects them: "When I go to Baku and visit with the local Chabad rabbi, no one bothers us. I can speak in Hebrew and sing in Hebrew and it's not a big deal at all."

But not every player has found that to be true. At the beginning of January, there were two Israeli footballers playing in France's top soccer division, Ligue 1. Eliran Atar for Stade de Remis and Itay Shecter for eight-time Ligue 1 champions Nantes. Nearly a month later, Atar has returned to Israel thanks to a multi-year contract with Maccabi Haifa, while Shecter is currently in deep negotiations with Maccabi Haifa and is expected to sign with the club soon.

The day of the terrorist attack in Paris, Shecter told Israeli media outlet ONE: "The situation is a little stressful, I usually buy my meat at the store where the hostages are now. I thought I would go today to buy food there but I canceled the trip, I also will not go to synagogue."

While the response from Israeli players was hardly monolithic, it's obvious that some have taken to heart the call for a return to their homeland. However, the allure of playing in Europe and relative security enjoyed by many European countries is enough of a counter-weight to prevent a mass exodus, at least for now. Should the recent spate of anti-semitic attacks become an enduring problem in Europe, the sudden groundswell of Israeli soccer talent may prove tragically mistimed. Would-be stars of the world's sport could end up with no choice but to stay home.