Talia Zomer: Born in USA, but I represent Israel 100 percent
Footballer Talia Zomer spoke at the New York conference about representing Israel, the emotional return of hostages linked to the team, and facing antisemitism abroad.
Speaking at the Israel Hayom conference in New York, Israel women's national team and NJ/NY Gotham FC footballer Talia Zomer shared her experiences of representing Israel internationally, dealing with antisemitism abroad, and the inspiring bond of the national team.
"I was born in the USA and I have an American passport, but I am 100 percent Israeli," Zomer told Israeli media's deputy editor Uri Dagon during an interview at the InterContinental New York Barclay. "My parents grew up here and raised us speaking Hebrew. At the end of the day, being Israeli is in your blood, in your culture, and who you are, especially during these complex and challenging times."
Reflecting on the team's personal connection to the October 7 events, Zomer spoke about Naama Levy, daughter of team physician Dr. Ayelet Levy Shahar. "Since October 7, we fought on every platform to bring her home, and we are so happy and emotional that she and all the hostages have returned to us," Zomer said. "Throughout this crazy period, Naama was our pillar of fire, reminding us every single day what truly matters. Football is my profession, but above everything else stand our community, our security, and our country."
Zomer also addressed the security challenges faced by Israeli athletes abroad, recalling a harrowing incident during an international match in Scotland where hostile individuals breached the team's hotel and physically chased players. Despite such threats, she emphasized the unique unifying power of sport, noting that the Israeli national team features women from across the social and political spectrum—religious, secular, Muslim, and Christian—competing together as one unified force.
