Maccabi Tel Aviv Star Christian Blicq Considers Conversion to Judaism

Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Christian Blicq has a profound spiritual connection to Israel that extends beyond his football career. His mentor, Dr. Shlomo Maoz, revealed that Blicq, who previously stated he came to Israel for theological reasons, lives according to biblical laws. Maoz, who heads a center for natural studies and a university of natural medicine in the US, explained that Blicq belongs to the "Araeli" lineage, descended from a biblical figure.

Maoz has given Blicq the Hebrew name "Leavan," derived from the Serbian word for white. Although officially registered as Christian, Blicq's lifestyle is guided by the Old Testament. He avoids non-kosher food, observes Shabbat as much as his professional career allows, and celebrates Jewish holidays like Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. He also fully observed Yom Kippur last year and performed Kiddush with Maoz at his apartment in Bat Yam.

Blicq's interest in Judaism began eight years ago when he was playing for West Ham and attended Maoz's lectures. He even explored moving to an Israeli team then. While his agents previously advised him to stay in European leagues, the offer from Maccabi Tel Aviv last year was enthusiastically accepted as an opportunity to fulfill a long-held dream.

Maoz has recommended that Blicq undergo a formal conversion to Judaism, a step the player is seriously considering. Blicq and his wife, who is pregnant and conceived in Israel, envision their future permanently in Israel. Maoz emphasized that Blicq's spiritual connection outweighs financial considerations, and he is willing to play in Israel for less money to remain there indefinitely.