2023-11-09 00:48:54
Yovan had been waiting for this moment for weeks. A supporter of Hapoel Tel Aviv since his teenage years, the thirty-year-old had been deprived of his “weekly pleasure” since the beginning of October and the terrible Hamas terrorist attack in Israel. In the Jewish religion, mourning lasts 30 days, a period of deep contemplation. So, this Wednesday evening, in a half-filled Halle Carpentier (Paris 13th arrondissement) (2,110 spectators, record of the year for the Parisian club in the Eurocup), the person concerned did not hide his happiness at finally finding his players, his heart club. “A festive atmosphere despite the war at home,” he says.
Arriving the same morning from Tel Aviv, Yovan and around fifty supporters sang, danced and applauded for more than two hours. Before and after the match despite the heavy defeat (114-87) against Paris Basketball in the clash at the top of Group A of the Eurocup (the second continental level). Among these supporters, around ten children and adolescents, invited by the club, had lost a parent, a brother or a sister during the Hamas attacks. Some religious people or politicians were also present.
“It’s more than just a basketball club, it’s a community, it’s important to be here, to encourage our team, to show that we are present,” explains Reuven. “This is the first time that we can travel to support our team,” continues the fifty-year-old. Last year we came to 500 but the situation has changed. We are already happy to be able to come. It’s important to show that we are united, that we all support each other. » The supporters quickly took off the club’s red jersey to encourage their club, shirtless and caps on their heads. To immortalize the moment, one of them asked a Paris Basketball security agent to take their photo. The atmosphere is festive. Far from imagined fears.
Due to the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we could indeed fear excesses or demonstrations. It did not happen. However, as a safety measure, the capital club had taken exceptional measures. They had been in contact with the Paris prefecture and General Intelligence services for several days. As soon as we entered the stadium, we could see numerous CRS vans. In all, 75 representatives of the police were present to secure the Parisian enclosure and its surroundings. Usually, matches do not require any special equipment.
Thorough search and increased security
Inside the room, the club had also doubled its staff, from around twenty agents to around thirty. To enter the room, you had to go through a methodical, meticulous body search. So thorough that many spectators arrived after the match kicked off.
A match which quickly turned in favor of the Parisians. After a balanced start to the game (21-24), the Nadir Hifi partners accelerated the game. The suspense was gone even before half-time. Thanks to this success against their runner-up in the ranking, they have a 6th success in 6 days and consolidate their first place.
Even though he lives in Paris, Noam had the red jersey on his back. “We would have preferred our team to win but the most important thing was to show our support,” he said. This is the first time I’ve come to see a basketball game here. I am a supporter of all Israeli teams. In September, I went to see Maccabi Haifa in Rennes in the European Football Cup. I also went to support them when they came to the Parc des Princes. »
Hapoel loses to Paris
The team will take off this Friday to Lithuania for the match against Fromithi on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/6eSFTFYNHl
— Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) November 8, 2023
Despite the context, the student “does not[a] not hesitated” to take places as soon as he knew that Hapoel was arriving in Paris. “I’m not afraid, I’m with my father and my brother. If I am here it is to show that we are all united, that the Jewish people are united. »
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