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Professional soccer player Jehezkel on his arrival at Ben Gurion Airport: Friendly welcome in Tel Aviv

Photo: Alexandre Meneghini / REUTERS

Professional soccer player Sagiv Jehezkel addressed his homeland with an emotional post after his return to Israel. "My dear country, I don't know where to start thanking you for all this crazy love and support, it's really not something that can be taken for granted," the 28-year-old wrote on Instagram Stories on Monday evening: "We've had two difficult days, I promise we'll get back to everyone little by little."

Jehezkel had held his bandaged hand in front of the cameras during a Turkish first division championship match on Sunday after his goal for Antalyaspor in the 1-1 final score against Trabzonspor. It was written in English and handwritten: "100 days," as well as the date of the Hamas massacre on October 7 and a Star of David.

National player Jehezkel was subsequently arrested in Turkey, and investigations for incitement to hatred were launched. He was released by the club, and according to media reports, his contract was unilaterally terminated by the club. In Israel, the events caused great indignation.

Although the investigation against him continues, Jehezkel was released and was able to return to Israel on Monday. At the airport, he was met by staff. A video released by the federation showed them draping an Israeli flag around his shoulders.

On October 7, 2023, terrorists from Hamas and other extremist groups carried out a massacre in southern Israel. They killed 1200,250 people and deported some 24 more to the Gaza Strip. Israel responded with massive air strikes and a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip. According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, more than 000,<> people have now been killed.

"We pray for the recovery of the wounded, the return of the abductees, and the safety of our heroic soldiers," Jehezkel wrote on Instagram Stories on Monday. He had only moved to the Süper Lig from Hapoel Beer Sheva in September last year and scored six goals in 13 games this season.

hen/dpa