The Israel National Team takes on Portugal on Thursday night in Lisbon (21:15) as the blue-and-white will look to get off to a quick start in Eurobasket 2025 qualifying as they play the first of two games in the February 2024 FIBA International window. Head Coach Ariel Beit Halachmi and his squad was joined by the Israeli Ambassador to Portugal Dor Shapira ahead of the squad’s final training session as a memorial was held for all of those who have fallen due to Hamas massacre and war that began on October 7th.

Beit Halachmi spoke in depth to the Israel Basketball Association Website about some of his feelings since the tragedy that befell the nation, “To be a part of something that represents the country is always great, but the ceremony we held here sent shivers down our spines. The short speeches that were made reminded us all of where our country is right now and how even today the horrors that happened on October 7, about the rape and the murder and the abuse were published, it means a lot. I had goosebumps during the ceremony and we will take to the floor with those feelings. It’s in our hearts, our heads and it was definitely very powerful.”

The coach also spoke about how preparations were going ahead of tip-off, “The preparations are short which is usually what it is during the international windows, but the guys are very focused and that helps us convey the material that we need to. In such a short time, it is difficult to work on many things, but there are players with experience who have participated in these types of windows and of course they have played together which is the most important thing. We have to rely on the connection between them, on the good energy and desire and of course, on their ability. We are a good team and the addition of those who were not with us in the summer is significant.”

As for the blue-and-white opponent, Beit Halachmi is not underestimating them, “Portugal is a team that has been playing together for many years. The names on their roster will not mean too much to the typical basketball fan, but this is a team that plays hard, who have good guards, good shooting, are very aggressive as a tough game awaits us.”