“For Shabbat, I’ll Do Anything”: Israeli Soccer Star Aviv Avraham Opens Up

The number of Israeli soccer players strengthening their religious observance has continued to grow in recent years. Among them is Aviv Avraham, formerly of Maccabi Netanya, who has opened up about the changes he has made in his daily life—and the sacrifices he is willing to make to observe Shabbat while continuing his soccer career.

Avraham joins several other players with ties to Maccabi Netanya who have strengthened their religious commitment, including Rabbi Shneur Gueta, Chen Ezra, Almog Cohen, and Shir Tzedek.

In an interview with Israel Hayom, Avraham described just how significantly his daily routine has changed.

“I try to pray at least twice a day with a minyan,” he said. “I try to have a Torah lesson several times a week, as much as I can, as often as possible. And I have a talmid chacham I learn with, who was also a player. Soccer isn’t supposed to interfere with the daily routine of someone who is becoming more observant.”

“For Shabbat, I’ll Truly Do Anything”

For an observant professional athlete, one of the greatest challenges is inevitably Shabbat. Soccer games may be scheduled on Saturday, creating practical difficulties for a player committed to observing the day according to halacha.

When asked how he would handle an offer from the Premier League when games take place on Shabbat, Avraham pointed to his experience in Kiryat Shmona.

“The truth is, I did it last year in Kiryat Shmona. I gave the example of Shir [Tzedek], Almog [Cohen], and Hanchuk [Chen Ezra], who also did it for many years,” he said.

Avraham does not pretend that making professional soccer compatible with Shabbat observance is easy.

“It’s a very, very big sacrifice. Will I tell you it’s easy? I did it, and it’s very hard. But for Shabbat, I’ll truly do anything. Every Shabbat away, every Shabbat in a different hotel, a different apartment.”

The Price He Is Willing to Pay

Observing Shabbat can mean planning days in advance. If a game is taking place far from home, Avraham must arrange accommodations nearby so that he can arrive before Shabbat and walk to the stadium rather than travel there on the day itself.

“At this age, it’s a sacrifice,” he said. “If you want to combine spirituality, religion, and Shabbat with soccer, that’s the price you have to pay: Shabbats away from home.”

During the rest of the week, however, Avraham says his growing religious observance does not need to conflict with his profession.

“Day to day, it isn’t supposed to interfere. By Sunday or Monday, we’re already looking at where the next game is. Be’er Sheva? Haifa? We make a booking, pay for a hotel, and that’s it. We bring everything we need. We walk to the game.”

For Avraham, the inconvenience and additional planning are simply part of a decision he has made about his priorities. Continuing a professional soccer career while strengthening his religious commitment may require sacrifice, but when it comes to Shabbat, he makes his position clear: it is a sacrifice he is willing to make.