Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Soviet Jews in Riga Cheer Israeli Basketball Team; Ask for Souvenirs

March 24, 1961
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

The coach of the Hapoel basketball team reported today on the team’s return from Riga that team members were visited by scores of Russian Jews and that many of the visitors asked team members to convey greetings to relatives in Israel.

Hapoel members and members of the Riga Jewish community visited the local Jewish cemetery paying tribute to the dead. Most Jews spoke Yiddish and asked for souvenirs of Israel. Coach Shimon Shilo reported that even during the game Jewish spectators cheered the Israeli team which encouraged the Israeli players though they lost to the Russian top league team. The team was in Riga three days.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement