Eyal Berkovic Criticizes Religion in Israel as 'Commercialized'

Former Israeli football star Eyal Berkovic discussed his complex relationship with religion and tradition during a podcast with his son, Lior. Lior revealed he has recently become more observant, stating, "I have strengthened recently," and now "respects tradition more than before," even performing Kiddush alone.

Berkovic shared his own upbringing as an atheist, noting he never had a Bar Mitzvah because his parents, who were not religious, did not prioritize it. He recounted an incident from his youth at Maccabi Haifa's youth academy where a coach, claiming to take him to his workplace, instead brought him to Kfar Chabad. There, Berkovic was taken to the Torah and had tefillin placed on him without his parents' prior knowledge, a situation Lior questioned as "religious coercion."

Despite these experiences, Berkovic clarified that he does not oppose religion itself but holds a reserved personal view. "Religion doesn't do it for me, but I respect religion," he stated. He continues to respect tradition, participating in Kiddush and wearing a kippah when with his partner on Fridays.

However, Berkovic expressed strong criticism regarding the public presentation of religion in Israel. "Here, in the country, to my great regret, they have made a business out of religion, and that I like less," he concluded. The conversation highlighted a generational difference, with Lior showing a more open approach to tradition compared to his father's skeptical, yet respectful, stance.