The Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation hosted over 100 new immigrants, Olim Hadashim from Nefesh B’ Nefesh, the organization that helps Jews from North America make Aliyah to Israel at the first leg of the Toto Cup quarterfinal match at the Netanya Stadium. Not only did the participants get to see a great game with tons of goals they also had the opportunity to take part in a unique presentation about Israeli football and specifically Maccabi Tel Aviv as well as having two of the children walk with the captains of the two teams onto the pitch.
The presentation is one of the many programs that Foundation Head Josh Halickman has created to increase Maccabi’s connection with the many different populations that live in Israel. Most people in the group had never been to a Maccabi match and some have never been to a football game in their lives but all were sports fans. Sitting right in the first few rows in the center of the pitch, everyone went home happy learning about yet another great way as to why Israel is a special country with so much to offer.
NBN representative Karen Richman commented about the activity: “100 Nefesh B’Nefesh Olim were treated to a great night of Israeli football! Before the game, Josh Halickman, Head of Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation invited the Olim to the Press Room for an interesting and interactive presentation about the world of Israeli football where they learned about the country’s #1 pastime.
In addition to having great seats to an exciting game and even meeting some of the players two new Olim, brothers Koby and Ilan Shulman, who made Aliyah in 2015 from New Jersey had the honor of dressing up in uniform and escorting the captains out onto the pitch before the game – a moment any kid would remember forever! Thanks again to Maccabi Tel Aviv for a wonderful introduction to Israeli football and a fun way to integrate into life in Israel!”
