My second love.....

After Israeli politics and Judaism, is, of course, sports.

The French Open is ongoing, the first round being complete. An Israeli woman, Shahar Peer, ranked #31 in the tournament, easily defeated her opponent, Olga Savchuk, 6-1, 6-1.

Why do I mention ms. Peer?

Well, she has won 3 tournaments already this year (Istanbul Cup, Pattaya Open and ECM Prague Open). While she is still a dark horse to do some damage in Paris, I have this sneaking suspicion that this tournament will be her graduation into the top echelon that is women's tennis.

As the Israeli national soccer team was a mere point from qualifying for the World Cup in Germany this month, coupled with Peer's and Anna Smashnova's resurgence in women's tennis, is a great sign that Israelis are preparing to make their mark on the international sports scene.

How important is this to Israel? Not so much, in my (sometimes) humble opinion. It is even more important to the international world. As our fellow countries begin to realize that Israelis are taking sports seriously (Gal Friedman last summer Olympics; Macabbi Tel Aviv basketball, etc...) it provides the best platform for Israel advocacy.

While Israel, and the region, is constantly being portrayed as a war-torn area of the world, Israelis are proving to themselves and to the rest of the world that they are ready to make their mark.

So, Behatzlach Rabba Peer and Smashnova.......bring the trophy home!!!!

Sneak peek.....next blog will discuss the difference between charity and tzedaka.