The Israeli team beat Serbia 34-14 in the championship game after defeating Italy in a close semifinal. Israel’s under-17 women’s team and under-15 coed team both finished fifth in their respective competitions.

“Our first gold after decades of trying,” Steve Leibowitz, president of American Football in Israel (AFI), told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “Tough young Israeli players against the best young players in Europe. The moment the whistle blew… I knew we had finally arrived. Next thought, first we conquer Europe, the Worlds are next.”

Despite appeals from the Israeli players — a majority of whom are Orthodox, according to Leibowitz — Israel was scheduled to play games on Shabbat. All three teams had to forfeit, resulting in 35-0 losses.

After this weekend’s win, Leibowitz thanked those who have financially supported the sport’s growth in Israel, namely New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft — who built Israel’s first football field in 2000 — as well as Minnesota Vikings owner Mark Wilf.

“With the help of the Kraft family we created a game plan and implementation is underway,” Leibowitz said. “It starts with great coaches, creating stiff competition to make the team, tough Israel league competition and as much international tournament experience as possible.”

American football is on the rise in Israel, where approximately 2,000 players, coaches and referees are now involved in the league throughout the country. The sport has made notable strides among native-born Israelis, Leibowitz told JTA earlier this year. Israel hosted the 2019 European Flag Football Championship and the 2021 Flag Football World Championship.

Source - JTA/X - Image - Courtesy