"Celtic's Liel Abada Navigates Complex Landscape Amid Calls...

“Celtic’s Liel Abada Navigates Complex Landscape Amid Calls to Leave Over Nationality Amidst Israeli-Palestinian Tensions”

In a world where issues often appear starkly divided, Uri Levy, the sole Israeli

Jewish journalist covering Palestinian football, has

navigated the complexities of the situation for the past decade.

The recent months have been challenging for Levy, with losses on both sides

of the ongoing conflict and scrutiny from former associates.

The focus of attention has been on Liel Abada, an Israeli representing Celtic,

where some fans express strong support for Palestine and disdain for Israel.

Abada has faced pressure to leave the club due to his nationality.

Teammate Dolev Haziza and Israel manager Alon Hazan have urged him to depart Celtic.

Despite reports suggesting Abada might leave, Levy sees the situation as nuanced.

He points out that Abada is not the first Israeli to play for Celtic,

citing previous players like Eyal Berkovic, Eran Zahavi, and Nir Bitton,

and notes that most fans were accepting of the complexities.

However, the display by Celtic’s Green Brigade in support of Palestine on

October 7th, with a banner celebrating ‘Victory to the Resistance,’ marked a turning point for Israelis.

Levy expresses deep discomfort with the celebration, viewing it as endorsing violence against Jews.

He highlights the significance of the Green Brigade displaying the flag

of the Palestinian Popular Front, equating it with a symbolic terrorist organization in Israel.

The initial call for Abada to leave Celtic was influenced by the Israeli perspective

that associating with symbols deemed threatening poses a risk. Over time, sentiments

in Israel have softened, acknowledging the complexity of the situation.

Manager Brendan Rodgers’ support for Abada and the Celtic board’s condemnation

of political displays by the Green Brigade have contributed to a more measured view in Israel.

Levy emphasizes that the evolving consensus is that Abada should make career decisions

based on what is best for him.