Karim Ashkenazi Returns to Upper Galilee Basketball Team After Family Evacuation

Karim Ashkenazi, an 18-year-old guard and former youth player for Hapoel Upper Galilee, has signed with the club's senior team, marking an emotional return. Ashkenazi began his basketball career in the youth department of Hapoel Upper Galilee, where he first wore the team's red jersey. In summer 2023, he signed a long-term contract intending to continue with the club, but his family was evacuated from the Galilee region due to the war. Consequently, Ashkenazi spent the past two years playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv's youth team.

Earlier this summer, Ashkenazi also played with the national youth team. Last season, while with Maccabi Tel Aviv's youth squad, he averaged 8.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game in the youth premier league. His return to Hapoel Upper Galilee's senior team completes another piece of the club's roster puzzle for the upcoming season.