Like every Israeli or Jew around the world, the October 7 terror attack and the war have also greatly impacted Manor Solomon, the standout star of Israeli soccer. Currently recovering from the surgery he underwent in early October due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, the Tottenham winger reflects on these challenging days.
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"These are not simple days," shares Solomon. "I think I'm experiencing it like everyone else, just that I am outside of Israel. Sometimes, it even feels a bit harder, especially in the beginning. These days are truly terrible. Every day, you just look at the news and your phone, and the television is on all the time to see what's happening. We all hope that all the hostages will return and that there won't be any more losses for us."
Solomon hosted family members of the hostages as part of the Gesher NGO, Bank Yahav and the Israeli embassy delegation who arrived in London following the release of the hostages. The delegation aimed to convey a message to the Israeli government and the entire world.
"We are continuing our efforts to bring back the hostages with full force, and we will not rest or relent until the last hostage is returned home. Representatives of the families met during the visit with figures from the British government, representatives from the Israeli embassy in Britain and leaders of the Jewish community."
Due to the injury that sidelines him, Solomon has not set foot on the soccer field since our reality has changed. "I don't know what I would have felt if I were on the pitch," he says.
"Regarding the team, there are players and staff in the club who ask, 'What's happening?' and 'How is the family?' trying to understand what the real situation is because most of them don't understand what is happening and what we are going through in Israel. So, I try to explain as much as I can, but it's important to emphasize that the majority doesn't know."