From the Liveblog of
Sunday, November 12, 2023
Kosovo fans boo as Israel players pay tribute to Gaza hostages at start of soccer match
The Israeli national team is kicking off the first of four soccer matches in 10 days that will decide whether the country qualifies for Euro 2024, which would be the first time it ever makes it to the European championship.
As the national anthem Hatikva is played, the team members pay tribute to the at least 239 hostages being held by terrorists in Gaza following the October 7 Hamas onslaught, miming the symbol of half a heart, indicating the heart isn’t whole without their return.
Team officials hug and shed tears at the end of the anthem, but the moment is sullied by loud boos by Kosovo fans.
בפתח משחק הנבחרת במוקדמות יורו 2024, השחקנים שרו התקווה כאשר סימנו עם הידיים לב שבור ????.
בהצלחה במשחק ????????⚽️ pic.twitter.com/VCGtOMcIF5— Daniel Meron ???????? (@AmbMeron) November 12, 2023
