Jacob Silberlicht - Team Israel

Playing for Israel is very humbling. It’s an incredible feeling to play for a country, a team and a culture that have given and taught me so much. I hope that in 30 to 40 years, when Israel Lacrosse is still thriving and growing, that people don’t remember my name, but rather I want them to remember this entire group and what we started here. I want them to remember the very first kids that picked up a stick and gave lacrosse a chance. The kids who went against the grain of Israeli society by not playing soccer or basketball. The kids who took a chance with lacrosse, dedicated themselves and became better players and people because of it. These are the young men and women who displayed courage and dedication, and they are the ones who exemplify Israel Lacrosse. I am lucky to be able to watch them grow and represent them on an international stage.

It’s wild how far I’ve come since first moving to Israel. Before I came, I had no connection whatsoever. I was just looking for a place where I could continue playing lacrosse competitively. After about a month of being here, I immediately felt attracted to the country, the culture and most importantly the people. It’s easy to call Israel a second home to me (of course along with Upstate New York). With close friends, teammates, relatives, coaches, teachers, players and community leaders, I’ve felt very welcomed in Israel. Now more than ever, I’m starting to really understand what it means to be Israeli.