Israeli Footballer Stav Lemkin Finds Peace and Resilience in Netherlands

Israeli national team defender Stav Lemkin has spoken about the profound impact of war and conflict on his personal and professional life, stating he no longer fears missiles and feels "30 years old" due to his experiences. In an interview with Dutch magazine "De Twaalfde Man," Lemkin, who currently plays for Dutch club Twente, reflected on his career, which has included stints with Shakhtar Donetsk and Maccabi Tel Aviv, as well as playing for Israel's youth national teams.

Lemkin described how the wars in Israel and Ukraine have "tempered" him, teaching him how to handle complex situations. "I feel much older than I really am, especially because of everything I've already been through," he said. While these experiences have not changed his playing style, he feels he has grown as a person and developed a thick skin. He also noted the emotional toll of having family, including his mother who works in nursing and welfare in Ukraine, directly affected by the conflict.

He recounted how, during his time in Ukraine, he was sidelined with a hamstring injury while simultaneously hearing air raid sirens daily. "When I come to Israel, where my home is, I'm no longer afraid of missiles like before," Lemkin stated, but acknowledged the difference when family is nearby compared to being far from home in a foreign country.

Now in the Netherlands, Lemkin has found a sense of peace and normalcy. He credits his girlfriend, Zoe, who moved with him, for helping him establish a routine. "In Twente, I can purely concentrate on football," he explained, adding that the absence of other worries allows him to focus entirely on the game. He praised the Dutch people as "amazing and welcoming" and is enjoying his time there.