IPBC
NOS Nieuws•maandag, 20:51
Israeli footballer Sagiv Jehezkel received a warm welcome in Israel on Monday evening after his release in Turkey. He was arrested after displaying a message referring to Hamas terror attacks in Israel during a match with his Turkish club Antalyaspor.
Jehezkel landed in Israel on a small plane and was wrapped in an Israeli flag by a cheering crowd as he disembarked. Dozens of fans walked with him, singing, cheering and waving flags as he left the airport.
“There is no place like Israel anywhere in the world,” Jehezkel told reporters. “I’m very happy to be here and I couldn’t wait to arrive.”
Watch the images of his reception here:
Israeli footballer returns after arrest in Turkey for expression of support
Jehezkel says he left Turkey of his own free will. He has not been deported.
‘100 days. 07/10’
After Jehezkel scored for his Turkish club, he showed a text on his wrist with the words “100 days. 07/10”. He was referring to the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, exactly one hundred days ago last Sunday, and to the hostages still being held in Gaza.
First he was suspended because, according to the club, he had “failed to act in accordance with the values of our country”. Later, the Turkish Minister of Justice announced that a criminal investigation had been launched for incitement to hatred and the footballer was arrested. After interrogation he was allowed to leave again.
Jehezkel denies that he wanted to incite hatred or cause unrest. “I did not act to provoke or incite violence. I want this war to end. That’s why I showed the message here.”
