Israeli Premier League stars past and present visited wounded soldiers at Beer Sheva's "Soroka" hospital
Accompanied by Israeli Premier ( "Winner") League managerial chairman Yoram Baumann, a delegation of past and present Israeli football stars today visited Beer Sheva's "Soroka" hospital to express their support and well wishes to soldiers wounded in the conflict in southern Israel and their families. Members of the delegation included former Maccabi Petach Tikva and Israel striker Omer Golan, former Maccabi Tel Aviv goalkeeper Liran Strauber, former Maccabi Tel Aviv defender Amir Shelach, former Hapoel Beer Sheva midfielder Stav Elimelech, former Beitar Jerusalem star Sami Malkah, Hapoel Beer Sheva defender Ofir Davidzada, former Maccabi Tel Aviv goalkeeper Rafi Cohen and former Maccabi Netanya midfielder Beni Lam. The players handed out signed footballs, kit bags and shirts with the inscription in Hebrew: "The 'Winner' League salutes the nation's combatants".
Chairman Baumann had this to say: "I would like to express my gratitude to all those involved in organising this emotional visit to the soldiers and their families. It was our intention to bring a bit of cheer to these soldiers who have served us all so well and we were happy to hear that we succeeded".
Omer Golan, now professional manager at his old club Maccabi Petach Tikva, added: "We came here to provide our support and encouragement but we ourselves were also encouraged and felt more secure by the sight of such remarkable young people who put their lives on the line so that the rest of us could carry on with our lives".
Photograph courtesy of Nimrod Glickman and the "Winner" League management
