Holon's Zack Rosen won't leave Israeli hoops

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas reached an unexpected climax earlier today in downtown Tel Aviv as Palestinian Terrorists claimed responsibility for a public bus explosion. A total of 23 people were injured in the attack.

Police officials said the incident wasn't a suicide bombing and that they will search the area for additional explosives.

That said, Israeli hoops have also took a major hit.

Maccabi Ashdod's rookies Chris Allen & Kenny Gabriel have return to the U.S. as did Hapoel Tel Aviv's Ramon Moore (will test D-League options). In addition, Maccabi Tel Aviv combo-guard David Logan has sent his wife and daughter back to American soil.

Yet there are some pro-ballers in Israel who have zero intentions of escaping Hamas' attacks for the States. One of those players is former Penn star-guard and Israeli league newcomer Zack Rosen of Hapoel Holon.

"I feel safer (in Israel) than in West Philly in the U.S.," said Rosen, who played in July in the NBA Summer League for the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 3 points and 3.5 assists per. "It's kind of different heading to practice and hearing the security sirens go off, then having to duck in the hallway until you hear a 'boom'. But I'm not scared or anything," he added.

"The situation in Israel seems far worse in the foreign media than it actually is in reality," an Israeli Division I General Manager says. Although the rockets from Gaza are an unfortunate fact, people in Israel are continuing with their day-to-day lives and maintain a perfectly normal life structure. The media does a great job of causing unnecessary chaos," the GM added.

While the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have postponed the match between Spanish club Athletic Bilbao and Hapoel Kiryat Shmona, due to ongoing safety concerns in Israel, Rosen, 23, a 6-foot-1 starter for Holon, is currently putting up shots in the gym in preparation of his team's EuroChallenge home game against Belgium Antwerp at 19:30, tonight.

"If you cancel sporting events and other stuff, then (the Hamas terrorists) win. I have a couple of friends serving in the IDF who I've spoken too, and who I'm praying for. We're all here to defend Israel," Rosen commented.

In Israel, Rosen is posting 8 points, 4.3 assists and 1.8 rebounds for Holon, who are currently ranked 7th (3-3) in the Israel league. In the European challenge, Rosen has impressed even more, scoring 9 points on 50% shooting from beyond the arc, to go along with 3.5 boards.

Rosen, the reigning Ivy League Player of the Year, graduated as Penn’s all-time leader in assists (588), games started (115) and minutes played (4,198).