Just before Rosh Hashana, 5 Maccabi Tel Aviv players took time out to do some good deeds ahead of the holiday. Avi Rikan, Eliran Atar, Aaron Schoenfeld, Maor Kandil and Shahar Piven visited the Schneider Medical Center in Petah Tikva together with the Head of the Foundation, Josh Halickman.

The players visited many of the departments throughout the children’s hospital, spoke with the youngsters, took pictures with them and handed out t-shirts. In addition, the stars also spent time with the parents, giving them inspiration during their challenging times.

Midfielder Avi Rikan spoke about the emotional visit: “We are happy to take part in these types of activities here at Schneider and it’s important to cheer up the children and their families before the New Year, Rosh Hashana Holiday. We can see the joy that we bring to them and the smiles that we can put on their face. Anytime that we can come and visit we do.”

“I can tell you that when we see the smiles on the children’s faces we in turn have a big smile as well. When I come home I tell my wife about the emotional visits and it gives us a lot of strength and inspiration.”

Continuing to learn and improve:
“The new professional staff and the players are here for a few months already and we are continuing to learn their methodology, we are improving and I’m sure we will see that from match to match.”

Goals for the new season:
“The most important thing for the players is to be healthy. Maccabi Tel Aviv always wants us to be fit, in the best shape and to win matches. We are a club that always wants to reach the highest of heights. It’s a new year and it gives us all new energy and a great atmosphere around the club.”

The contest at Hapoel Beer Sheva:
“The match ended in a 1:1 draw and we didn’t leave with the 3 points, but it’s a long season and we all have where to improve. As time goes by we will get better and better.”