Eli Ohana Reveals Israelis Downplay Identity Abroad Amid Global Tensions

Former Israeli national team and Beitar Jerusalem soccer star Eli Ohana has shared a personal and concerning experience regarding how Israelis are perceived and behave internationally. Speaking on his popular radio show on 103fm, Ohana described how he and his companions deliberately lowered their profile during a recent vacation in Greece, a popular destination for Israelis.

"We tried to be quieter, not to emphasize our Israeli-ness," Ohana stated, reflecting the current complex reality for Israelis abroad amidst heightened global criticism of Israel and security tensions. He characterized the situation as "not ideal" and summarized the current climate as "not a normal period."

Ohana, who is known for expressing strong opinions domestically, recently drew attention for his sharp criticism of the Israeli newspaper Haaretz and journalist Shlomi Eldar. He questioned the timing of a report concerning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, suggesting it was politically motivated ahead of elections and hoping for a lawsuit to prove the claims.

He concluded his remarks on the report by noting that, like past controversies, this one would likely fade from public memory.