American filmmaker and director Quentin Tarantino paid a surprise visit to the western Negev on Sunday to visit Israeli military bases and support the Israel Defense Forces at a time of war.
Israeli pop star Noa Kirel brought an entire NBA arena to tears last week when she sang the Israeli national anthem.
Tarantino toured the area, spoke to soldiers, encouraged them and took pictures with them.
He is married to Israeli singer Daniella Pick and has lived in Tel Aviv for two years with their son and daughter.
Kirel, an IDF veteran, sang “Hatikvah” ahead of the preseason game between the hosts, the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, and Maccabi Ra’anana.
Kirel wrapped an Israeli flag around her shoulders during the performance, as did the Israeli players, who also wore a black ribbon in memory of the 1,300 Israelis killed by Hamas.
After finishing her song, Kirel said in Hebrew “Am Yisrael Chai” and added in English, “We will win.”
“The Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center condemn the terrorist attacks and mourn the senseless loss of life in Israel. We stand together against terror and our thoughts are with all who have been impacted by these tragic events,” the Nets wrote on X.
Originally published by Israel Hayom.
