“After the Turkish disgrace: Certificates of appreciation were awarded to the Amputee National Team.
As part of Student Day, a discussion on “Advancing Sports in Academia” was held today (Tuesday) at the Knesset’s Subcommittee on Sports, led by MK **Simon Davidson. The discussion, attended by student associations, sports coordinators, and ASA (the Academic Sports Association), included the presentation of certificates of appreciation to Israel’s Amputee Soccer Team by the committee chairman.
The team includes amputee players injured in the Nova Festival massacre and the Iron Swords War. The award recognized their exemplary representation of Israel on the international stage, despite enduring a deliberate and orchestrated humiliation by Turkey’s national team, which staged an anti-Israel display during their June 2 match in an international tournament in France.
The discussion also emphasized the promotion of amputee and Paralympic sports, highlighting their proven rehabilitative and health benefits. Committee members called on the government to **increase investment in rehabilitative and Paralympic sports, given the rise in casualties and war injuries.
According to the Ministry of Defense, of the 6,800 war-wounded currently in rehabilitation, approximately 42 suffer from limb injuries.
Chairman of the Sports Committee and discussion initiator, MK Simon Davidson: “Shame on the Turkish national team for bringing politics into the game and showing such blatant disrespect towards Israel’s team in their last match. While these tournaments have always been about solidarity and mutual respect, Turkey took the game to an unprecedented low. However, in this case, it doesn’t matter what others say—what matters is what we do.
The Israeli team, made up of incredible players, some of whom are just beginning to adapt to life with their injuries, displayed remarkable composure, restraint, and dignity. They maintained their professionalism despite the intense disrespect from the Turkish team. This is the result of young, determined individuals, strong and resilient, showcasing the immense rehabilitative power of sports. I proudly present this certificate—it is we who have much to learn from them.”
Israel’s Amputee Soccer Team coach, Sharon Paz:
“In amputee football, mutual respect between teams and players has always been upheld. The incident with the Turkish team will go down in infamy. I commend our team—they represented Israel with exemplary dignity. Despite Turkey’s attempts to degrade and provoke them, they refused to give them that satisfaction. This is a truly exceptional team.”
