Maccabi Shareholder: EuroLeague Delay in Israel Is Politically Driven
Maccabi Tel Aviv shareholder Jason Levin argued at a New York conference that delaying the return of EuroLeague games to Israel stems from politics, not safety.
Jason Levin, the new shareholder of Maccabi Tel Aviv, stated during the New York conference that the ongoing delay in returning EuroLeague games to Israel is driven by political motives rather than genuine security concerns.
Speaking with Yoav Limor at the New York event, Levin shared that he recently brought the EuroLeague CEO to Tel Aviv to demonstrate the country's security and vibrant atmosphere firsthand. "They play games in Dubai and claim it is safe, yet they refuse to bring matches back to Israel. This feels much more like a political issue than a safety one," Levin emphasized.
Levin, a co-owner of D.C. United and former CEO of the Memphis Grizzlies, noted that bringing the EuroLeague back would be a powerful step for Israelis and Jewish communities worldwide. He recalled hosting the EuroLeague CEO at a Bloomfield Stadium match and a Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball game, where the executive witnessed the population's passion for life and sports.
Discussing his new role, Levin expressed admiration for the club's legacy built by leaders like Shimon Mizrahi. He pledged to leverage his extensive experience in building sports culture, training facilities, and stadiums from his time in American professional sports to further elevate Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Addressing the rise of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment in the United States, Levin acknowledged the challenges faced at athletic venues. However, he stressed that sports play a vital leadership role in engaging youth and combating prejudice, pointing to the importance of visibility and factual dialogue.
