Rising Star Nadim Warasneh Navigates East Jerusalem Challenges at Hapoel Jerusalem

Nadim Warasneh, a 20-year-old forward for Hapoel Jerusalem, is emerging as a significant talent in Israeli football, currently ranking second in the Premier League's top scorers list. Warasneh, who hails from Ras al-Amud in East Jerusalem, has become the first Hapoel Jerusalem player since 1971 to score a hat-trick in the top division. His journey began at age 14 when he was discovered by veteran coach Gadi Carmeli at an East Jerusalem football academy. Warasneh initially struggled with the language barrier, knowing no Hebrew upon joining Hapoel Jerusalem, and communicating through English. He described his first day and first game, a 4-2 derby win where he scored and assisted, as unforgettable.

Warasneh feels Hapoel Jerusalem is the ideal club for Arab players to develop, citing the club's long tradition of coexistence. He noted that reaching the club from East Jerusalem, despite the short physical distance, felt like a vast gulf due to the perceived barriers. He mentioned needing a letter from the club to show at checkpoints to facilitate his travel, especially in the early days when communication was difficult. He expressed reluctance to discuss playing for the national team, indicating it's a sensitive topic.

Ali Othman, a former Hapoel Jerusalem legend and the first Arab player to play in both the Israeli Premier League and the national team, offered perspective. Othman, who now coaches Jewish and Arab children, acknowledged that while Warasneh faces challenges, his own experiences were significantly tougher. He advised Warasneh not to be discouraged by external pressures, political or otherwise, and to focus on his game with heart and belief.

Hapoel Jerusalem coach Lior Zada praised Warasneh's character and ability to ignore distractions, calling him a symbol of coexistence within the club. Zada recalled spotting Warasneh's potential in the youth teams and noted that the player consistently exceeded expectations. Team captain Omer Agbadish described Warasneh as one of the team's most talented and dedicated players, believing fans have only seen a fraction of his capabilities. The club acknowledges the sensitivity surrounding Warasneh's background in the current political climate and avoids delving into these deeper issues with him.