Hapoel Tel Aviv's Hostage Strike Post Sparks Owner Controversy

Hapoel Tel Aviv’s basketball team briefly joined a nationwide protest supporting Israel’s hostages, posting on social media that the club would participate in a strike. The post, however, was quickly deleted at the request of team owner Ofer Yanai, who called the decision “a mistake” and stressed concerns that the strike could inadvertently harm the hostages.

The original post on X (formerly Twitter) read: “Hapoel Tel Aviv Basketball Club joins the strike and calls for the immediate return of all hostages to their homes.” Yanai responded directly to the post: “I do not approve this. Bad decision, please remove,” and the post was taken down shortly thereafter. The move sparked sharp criticism from fans, with some threatening to boycott games and cancel season tickets.

In a follow-up post, the club clarified its stance:

“The issue of the hostages is not politics. These are living people, and their return is a matter of solidarity and life itself. Hapoel Tel Aviv stands with the hostages and their families on this difficult day and hopes for their swift return.”

Yanai later addressed the controversy publicly:

“No club places the issue of the hostages and the victims of October 7th higher on its heart than Hapoel Tel Aviv. We honor them at every game, flying bereaved families and injured soldiers to matches in Europe more than any other club. The cup we won is brought to the graves of the fallen alongside families, always with club representatives. I personally attend every major game wearing a shirt featuring the faces of the hostages and victims.”

Regarding the strike, Yanai explained:

“I opposed the strike out of care and concern that it might harm our brothers in captivity and delay their return. At the same time, each person is free to act according to their conscience. Since the post, I have received feedback from hostage families, both supportive and critical, highlighting the complex range of opinions even among them. I respect and embrace all perspectives.”

He concluded: “There is no question about our solidarity with the families. Our commitment is deep and sacred, and we hope for the swift return of all hostages.”

Meanwhile, Maccabi Ramat Gan announced it would join the strike without objection from its chair, Chen Schneiderman. The club canceled the day’s scheduled practice,

“To support the strike called for by the families of hostages and fallen soldiers and to allow players and staff to participate in dozens of solidarity events across the country.” Schneiderman emphasized: “Returning the hostages is above all else, beyond sports or daily life. With 50 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, we cannot remain indifferent and call on everyone to do everything possible to end this nightmare for the hostages, their families, and the people of Israel.”