The announcement of the deal that will bring home hostages held in Gaza for more than two years sparked emotional reactions across Israel’s sports community. From athletes to entire teams, many expressed joy and hope on social media after news broke of the pending release.
Among those expected to return is Eitan Horn, whose brother Iair was freed in a previous deal in February. Both are fans of Hapoel Be’er Sheva, which has paid tribute to the brothers several times. The club, which hosted Iair and took him on its away trip to Athens for a Europa Conference League match, posted on X: “We’re waiting for our Eitan and for all the hostages to come home. Very soon. Amen.”
Hapoel Jerusalem also posted photos of several hostage families on its X account with a simple caption: “Amen.”
NBA player Deni Avdija, who played earlier in the night for the Portland Trail Blazers in a preseason game, shared a StandWithUs post on Instagram reading, “They’re coming home.” Soccer players past and present — including Lior Refaelov, Maor Melikson, Nir Bitton and Gil Cohen — reposted the same message.
Other athletes added personal tributes. Soccer legend Eyal Berkovic wrote, “Am Yisrael Chai” (“The people of Israel live”). Former Chelsea striker Ben Sahar posted, “Chills all over my body, waiting for you,” and Hapoel Tel Aviv's Rotem Hatuel shared, “Good morning, thank God.”
Judoka Sagi Muki, a former world champion, also joined in, writing on Instagram: “A morning of good news. Don’t forget the deceased — all of them. Thank you.”
Olympic bronze medalist Peter Paltchik posted a video message: “What a morning. The deal is signed — I can’t believe I’m saying this. It’s like a dream. The skies are listening to us — we even have rain. Finally, we’ll get to see everyone come home. Incredible.”