Very heartwarming. I just wonder how tzanua it is to basketball in front of men wearing who knows what. [I don't know if the Stern girls wear the usual basketball garb but the other team certainly does and there are men at the game.]
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On Nov. 6, the Yeshiva University Women’s Basketball team started off their season with a fierce pre-season scrimmage against Rutgers-Newark, a scrimmage that not only brought immense competition but a remarkable display of sportsmanship. The competition was intense, with both teams showcasing outstanding skill and determination on the court. Every possession was hard-fought, leading to players diving for loose balls, and keeping the fans on the edge of their seats. Although YU maintained a lead throughout the game, Rutgers-Newark proved to be strong competition, applying tight defensive pressure and keeping the score within reach. However, the most memorable part of the game was not a dramatic play, but rather an extraordinary moment of sportsmanship that united the opponents.
The pivotal moment occurred in the second half of the game when Daniella Moskowitz (SCW ‘24), YU’s married team captain and reigning Skyline Conference Player of the Year, brought the ball down the court. In a fast-paced play, Moskowitz fell and hit her head on the floor. In the midst of the fall, her hair covering slipped off, leaving her hair momentarily exposed. For someone who observes the Jewish modesty laws of covering hair, this could be incredibly distressing. Recognizing this moment of vulnerability, members of both teams instinctively surrounded Moskowitz, shielding her privacy and giving her the time and space to readjust her hair covering. Their quick response highlights the value of respect that transcends the game of basketball itself.
This act of sportsmanship was as immediate as it was significant. Witnessing this event, I saw how quickly opponents became allies, demonstrating that even in the heat of competition, humanity and respect come first. This moment is a testament to what basketball, and sports as a whole, could achieve. It serves as a platform to bring like-minded people together, fostering a sense of mutual respect despite the presence of opposition and competition.
In light of the recent rise in antisemitism around the world, I found this act of unity to be particularly inspiring, displaying a deeper significance of the presence of kindness and solidarity. While recently, more Jews have found themselves the victims of hate crimes, discriminatory rhetoric and social media hostility, this act of sportsmanship between athletes from different backgrounds has become a powerful counter-narrative.
This story extends beyond the gymnasium, capturing widespread attention across media platforms. The story was first shared by the father of YU player Sara Yolkut (SCW ‘26). The story gained even greater traction when Simmy Cohen, a self-proclaimed “[extreme] online fan of Jews in sports”, reposted it on the platform X, where it gained over 93,000 views. Ben Ritholtz, former YU coach and player, later voiced his admiration by sharing the post, allowing the story to reach a broader audience.
But the media recognition did not stop there, as Jasmine Maly-Danker (SSSB ‘26), a YU basketball player, further amplified the story by posting it on TikTok, where it amassed over 239,000 views. Prominent online influences such as Samantha Ettus, The Persian Jewess and Alyssa Goldwater shared and endorsed the story, emphasizing its message of mutual respect to a broader audience. I found myself reading the comments on these posts, marveling at how a single act of kindness could inspire and unite such a widespread group of people. I believe this moment profoundly resonated with many, including myself, as it directly contrasts a world increasingly divided by culture and religious tension.
This heartwarming story has gone viral for all the right reasons, highlighting the sportsmanship and mutual respect that rises above the competitive nature of the game. In a time where headlines are often dominated by articles of division, rivalry and conflict, this moment serves as a refreshing reminder of the power of human decency. For me, this story reinforces the idea that respect and compassion are not confined to the stands, but are essential elements of the game itself.
While the Lady Macs ultimately won this scrimmage, the biggest victory of the night was not the final score, but the powerful reminder of the unity and humanity that sports can inspire. It is moments like these that redefine the meaning of victory, revealing that the most significant achievements are often those guided by our values.
