​The achievement follows the two bronze medals recently won by Israel’s Open and Mixed Pairs teams at the European Championship for senior national teams.Israeli bridge enjoyed a remarkable European Championship, with the national teams in the Under-26, Under-21 and Under-16 categories all claiming silver medals after competing for gold until the final stages of the tournament in Riga, Latvia.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIsrael was represented by four teams at the championships, with three finishing second in Europe. The achievement follows the two bronze medals recently won by Israel’s Open and Mixed Pairs teams at the European Championship for senior national teams.The Under-26 team led the standings for much of the competition and remained in contention for the title until the very end. The team consisted of Nir Hotorski and Aviv Zeitak, Daniel Mesika and Ido Mushkovitz, and Lia Patleko and Koren Reter. Danny Loonstein served as captain, with Ron Pechtman as coach.Israel’s Under-21 team also claimed silver after a dramatic and extremely close finish.On the final day, Israel faced Poland in a direct battle for the gold medal and ultimately finished second in Europe following a thrilling photo finish. The team included Eitan Gissin and Sophie Zeidenberg-Gat, Itamar Herbst and Yoav Shor, and Noam Tzarfati and Tommy Hiba. Tomer Loonstein was the captain, with Pechtman serving as coach.Israeli flags; illustrative. (credit: MIRIAM ALSTER/FLASH90)The Under-16 team also completed an outstanding championship, securing silver after a dramatic final day that saw Israel climb into second place in the standings.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe team consisted of Yahli Hiba and Raam Hotorski, Hadassah and Naomi Weinvitz, and Aviv Zeidenberg-Gat and Shira Lahav. Kfir Meital was the captain, while Moshiko Meyuhas and Ofek Sabach served as coaches.“It is an incredible success,” said Danny Loonstein, chairman of the Israel Bridge Federation, head of the delegation and captain of the Under-26 team. “We sent eight teams across nine categories in the senior and youth competitions and returned with a full haul of medals: bronze medals for the Open and Mixed Pairs senior teams, and silver medals for the Under-16, Under-21 and Under-26 teams.””I am proud of every member of the delegation, who gave their very best. We will see you next year at the World Championship, with the goal of taking another step forward.”Arik Kaplan, president and CEO of Ayelet, the umbrella organization for Israel’s non-Olympic sports, also congratulated the teams.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Having three Israeli youth teams on the podium at the same championship is impressive evidence of the strength of the next generation of Israeli sports,” Kaplan said. “Beyond the medals, the young players represented Israel with pride, determination and excellence throughout the competition. This is a tremendous achievement that demonstrates the strength