In an interview on the Israeli Basketball Association’s website, Israeli player Dor Saar said before the game: "It’s known that they are quite anti-semitic and it’s no secret, and maybe that’s why a strong game is expected.
“We have to show that we’re better than them and win. We talk about it among ourselves. We know they don’t love us and we will leave everything on the field always and in this game especially.”
Basketball Ireland’s statement prior to the start of the game read: "Basketball Ireland informed Fiba Europe yesterday that as a direct result of recent comments made by Israeli players and coaching staff - including inflammatory and wholly inaccurate accusations of anti-Semitism, published on official Israeli Federation channels - that our players will not be partaking in traditional pre-match arrangements with our upcoming opponents.
TIL playing volleyball = genocide when you’re born in the wrong country.
Is the purpose of international sport not to represent your country? The country currently murdering innocent civilians in their open air prison.
The purpose for the players is to play their sport.
They did play the sport, they didn’t shake hands with those representing a country engaged in war crimes.
Ever heard of conscientious objectors?
You can play your sport without playing for your country or defending it against criticism.
Seriously, you could have at least read the article to get the sport right.
Probably would have helped with grasping the situation better. They did play, they just didnt want to be insulted as anti-semitic without a reason.