"Barak Bakhar and his players in the Red Star Belgrade will play against R.B. Leipzig as part of the third round of the group stage in the Champions League on Wednesday.
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On Tuesday, the Israeli soccer coach participated in the UEFA press conference ahead of the match and spoke passionately about the attitude towards Israel in the world in general and within the international sporting body.
"My country is bleeding. My family is, a wife and three kids, run to the shelter day and night. One hour ago they had a missile fall near their house. A lot of Israeli people are broken in body and soul, but I can tell you - all the world should know one important thing. No one will break the Israeli spirit, because we have no choice, Am Israel Cjhai. Yesterday, I spoke with Michael, a 9-year-old boy who loves soccer and roots for Barcelona. On October 7, early in the morning, Hamas broke into his house, murdered his parents, and abducted his 3-year-old sister. Michael has another 5-year-old sister who miraculously survived. This is just one of hundreds of terrifying incidents that occurred on that day," Bakhar said. "They say that soccer connects nations and people. Soccer is always about peace and respect, and I ask where is the respect for the 1,400 people who were killed, who went to celebrate at a peace party [referring to the hundred who were murdered there]? Innocent people. Whole families. Girls who were assaulted. Pregnant women were killed; their bellies were cut open, and the fetuses were murdered. More than a hundred children were killed. People are speaking up and choosing to stand by the victims' side and that is alight in the darkness. I must thank the players and management of my club, and Serbians, it's not obvious."
Bakhar went on to attack the UEFA governing body and various clubs for not taking a clear stand in support of Israel. "Hundreds were kidnapped, children, women, adults who need medicine. How can you ignore this? Many of the victims were fans of Barcelona, Real Madrid, and City. Liverpool did not condemn their deaths. The world of soccer is very disappointing. And I wonder, is it all about money? Can money buy values?"
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