Maccabi Tel Aviv FC held this evening (Monday) a candle lighting ceremony on the fifth Hannuka night at Bloomfield stadium. This year the Maccabi tradition had a different atmosphere in the wake of the war Israel is currently experiencing. Around 300 family members of fans who were murdered, killed in action, taken hostage, wounded or evacuated following the deadly terrorist attack of October 7th.
Maccabi’s CEO, Ben Mansford and club captain, Sheran Yeini, spoke on behalf the club while Yaron Dushi whose son Rotem Dushi was killed in action, Dikla Shimriz whose son Alon is still held hostage in Gaza – all delivered emotional speeches.
Israeli TV host, actor, and Maccabi fan, Guy Zu-Aretz, whose nephew Ilay, was murdered at the SuperNova party together with his close friends Yonatan Zeidman and Liam Shrem, performed some songs. Besides the entire first team playing and coaching staff, club employees, members of Ahim Lasemel and Maccabi Fanatics were all in attendance.
“The events of 7 October will forever be cast in darkness and a cloud may remain until every hostage and soldier are back home” Ben Mansford said, “Last week, I was fortunate to spend time with Gal and Tal Goldstein. Despite all that they had been through, it was immensely uplifting to hear that one of Gal’s first requests to his waiting Israeli soldier was to know the Maccabi results against Zorya. We should take that remarkable spirit into the coming months. We are in a uniquely special place to continue to support all those affected by the 7 October and to bring light to those who need it the most.”
Club captain, Sheran Yeini addressed the families and said: “We know you have all suffered and still suffering in a way which is indescribable. Hanukkah is the festival of lights, and we are obliged to make you happy in any possible way you could think of. To the families of the hostages, I can say that if there is any way in which we can assist in any way or influence in any way we are here. If you may think of a kid who needs help a family, a kibbutz that needs restoring, a shoulder to lean on or someone to talk to – we are here. We are all available and will and make you as happy as we possibly can. Maccabi Tel Aviv is a family and now you are all part of the family.”
Yaron Dushi, whose son Rotem (20) was killed in action on October 7th shared his story: “Rotem was a die-hard Maccabi fan, with a combat soldier’s season ticket who even managed to attend the final two matches before the black sabbath. I am standing here on behalf of the yellow families and would like to thank this amazing and glorious club. From the first moment, you put your arm around us and knew to send players and representatives. At the Shiva’a we had many people who came to console but at the pinnacle of our excitement was the Deputy CEO, Daniel Levy and Dor Peretz walked in. When Dor walked through the door, we told him how Rotem would have been delighted to meet him. He was so humble, modest, with so much emotions and empathy. We learned to know that Maccabi is club that hugs you, embraces you and gives you a bit of light during our darkest period. We were really touched when you invited us to light the Hanukka candles and shed a light on every one of the fans who are not with us today. We would like to wish a speedy recovery to those wounded and hope that the hostages return to us soon. Yalla Maccabi, Am Ysrael Chai.”
Dikla Shamriz, the mother of Alon who was abducted from kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7th and has been held hostage in Gaza since: “Our Alon has been held hostage for 66 days by Hamas. Sixty six days, of endless longing. Maccabi is part of us and we are part of the Maccabi family. We are asking you (the players) every time you walk onto the pitch to remember that part of everyone’s family is still there. When you get a chance to talk to influential people or people that could influence – do it. Just raise the topic to ensure that everyone knows that there are kids who are still held hostage. We are all playing for his speedy return, that everyone would return, and that he will get to see you all together with his brothers at his second home here in Bloomfield”.
