Former Hapoel Be'er Sheva Player Calls Israel Experience 'Hell on Earth'

Former Hapoel Be'er Sheva striker Patryk Klimala described his seven-month tenure in Israel as "hell on earth," recounting a series of traumatic events that led to his departure. Shortly after arriving in January 2023, Klimala reported a home invasion by masked robbers, during which he chased them naked with a knife. He also experienced the tremors of the Turkey earthquake from his apartment and suffered a broken jaw and two lost teeth during a match.

The outbreak of war in October 2023 further intensified his distress. Klimala recalled hearing air raid sirens and running to a shelter, witnessing Iron Dome interceptions and missile fragments falling near his home. This experience convinced him he needed to leave the country immediately.

"I contacted the club because I knew I couldn't stay there," Klimala stated. He described waiting over 20 hours at the airport for a flight out. The psychological toll of these events was significant, leading him to seek therapy.

Through sessions with a psychologist who works with U.S. special forces and UFC fighters, Klimala began to process his experiences, confronting childhood memories and managing his aggressive tendencies. He has since joined FC Seoul in the South Korean league, scoring 10 goals in 25 appearances. During his time with Hapoel Be'er Sheva from January 2023 to January 2024, he played 23 games, scoring 4 goals and providing one assist.