The Israel Hayom Summit opened Wednesday in New York, bringing together senior figures from Israel and the US, government officials, business leaders, heads of organizations and prominent members of the Jewish community. Held for the second consecutive year at the InterContinental hotel in Manhattan, the summit is attended by Israel Hayom publisher Prof. Miriam Adelson and features discussions, interviews and panels on the major challenges facing Israel, the US and the Jewish world.
Jason Levien, a new shareholder in Maccabi Tel Aviv's basketball club, argued that the delay in bringing EuroLeague games back to Israel was driven more by political considerations than security concerns.
Speaking with Israel Hayom journalist Yoav Limor at the summit, Levien said he had brought the EuroLeague CEO to Tel Aviv in an effort to persuade him to resume games in Israel. "They're playing games in Dubai now, and they say it's safe there, yet they're unwilling to bring games back to Israel," he said. "To me, that seems much more political than a safety issue."
"I brought the EuroLeague CEO to Tel Aviv a few weeks ago and told him it was time to bring EuroLeague basketball back to Israel," Levien said. "I took him to a game at Bloomfield Stadium, and we also went to a Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball game. I think he got to see what's happening in Israel, the energy, the love of life, the sense of security and the people who are eager to get back to activities."
Levien, a co-owner of D.C. United and former CEO of the Memphis Grizzlies, added, "Boy George came to perform last week. Bringing the EuroLeague back to Israel is a small but incredibly meaningful step for Israelis and Jews around the world."
He said his involvement in Israeli sports brought together passions that had shaped his life since childhood. "The opportunity to bring together my passion for sports, community and my love for Israel has been driving me since the beginning of my career," he said.
A promise to Maccabi fans
Limor, who described himself as a die-hard Hapoel supporter, asked Levien what had drawn him to Maccabi Tel Aviv and what he could promise the club's fans. "First of all, if anyone saw the game a few days ago, my condolences," Levien joked.
He recalled beginning his career as a lawyer and sports agent representing Israeli players, working with Yotam Halperin and later recruiting Omri Casspi, who became the first Israeli to play in the NBA. "The opportunity to become more involved, to invest in the club and to be part of the legacy built by incredible leaders who helped make the club what it is, people like Shimon Mizrahi, was something I couldn't say no to," he said.
Asked what he could bring to Maccabi, Levien pointed to his experience developing stadiums and training facilities and building a sporting culture at D.C. United. "I promise that I want to take that experience and expertise and bring it to Maccabi," he said. "I think Israel's future is bright, and Maccabi Tel Aviv's future is almost as incredible as its past, or perhaps even more so," Levien continued. "So building on that legacy and playing a small part in the growth of Israeli sports is an incredible opportunity for me."
'A change in the atmosphere'
Limor also asked Levien about antisemitism and the anti-Israel atmosphere in the US. "It's definitely a challenge. We've faced challenges at events and at the stadium. There have been anti-Israel signs and anti-Israel chants," Levien replied. "There's definitely been a change in the atmosphere, and we have to deal with it."
In that context, he stressed the importance he attached to bringing Israeli soccer player Tai Baribo to D.C. United as a representative of both the club and Israel. "Sports can't solve all the problems of antisemitism, but they have an important leadership role to play in combating that attitude," Levien said.
He noted that sports have the power to reach large numbers of young people, both as athletes and as fans. "I think we all have an important role to play in raising awareness," he said, referring to efforts to counter anti-Israel campaigns on social media. "We can't stop talking about it. We have to arm ourselves with the facts so we can talk about it."
Asked about Israeli athletes competing in the US, including in college sports, Levien said, "I think it does a great deal to build the relationship between Israel and the US, and it's something we should support."
When asked whether he was optimistic, Levien replied, "Very much so. During the time I spent in Tel Aviv and throughout the country, I saw the strength and passion of the people, their connection to and love for the United States. Many people are trying to undermine that relationship, but it will only grow stronger over time."
