Ex-Maccabi Player Calls Israel Stint 'Culture Shock' Amid War
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Former Maccabi Tel Aviv player Jeff Dowtin Jr. described his time in Israel during the war as a "culture shock" and a "difficult, mentally and physically exhausting situation." He noted constant travel for home games in Serbia and the war's resurgence upon their return. Dowtin has since moved to Napoli, Italy, where he finds life "calm and peaceful" and is performing well in the Italian league.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Jeff Dowtin Jr. called his time with Maccabi Tel Aviv a "culture shock" due to the war.
- Dowtin described the situation in Israel as "difficult" and "mentally and physically exhausting."
- The former Maccabi player's home games were played in Serbia due to security concerns.
- Dowtin has since signed with Napoli and finds life in Italy "calm and peaceful."
- He is currently averaging 18 points and 7.3 assists in the Italian league.
Jeff Dowtin Jr., who left Maccabi Tel Aviv this past summer to sign with Napoli, has spoken for the first time at length about his difficult experience in Israel during the war. In an interview with Italy's "Gazzetta dello Sport," the guard described the challenges he faced during the season.
"It was very unusual," Dowtin stated. "It was definitely a culture shock, because of the war and everything that happened. When we played our home games in Serbia, we were constantly flying. When we finally managed to return home, the war broke out again. It was a difficult situation, mentally and physically exhausting."
Alongside the challenges in Israel, Dowtin discussed his quick acclimatization to Italy and his new life in Naples. "It's a beautiful city. I love walking around the city center, seeing the sea and the buildings, and trying new foods like pasta, risotto, and pizza margherita. I like getting out of my comfort zone, and perhaps what I love most here is that everything is so calm and peaceful."
Dowtin has started the season well with Napoli, averaging 18 points and 7.3 assists per game after three rounds in the Italian league. When asked if he plans to attend Napoli's soccer matches, he replied, "I'm a fan. It's hard to find time, but I would really like to go to a game."
