Category: Community

An evening in memory of fans killed and murdered during the war

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Maccabi Tel Aviv FC held an emotional event at Bloomfield stadium in memory of the 96 fans who were murdered on October 7th or were killed defending the State of Israel since.

 

The families were handed a specially designed shirt by the club commemorating those fans who lost their lives, which was worn by the team against Maccabi Netanya earlier this season. They were also presented with a glimpse into Maccabi’s commemorative project ahead of the forthcoming remembrance day.

During the event, which was attended by several first team members, Sheran Yeini, Eran Zahavi, Idan Nachmias, Yonatan Cohen, Daniel Tenenbaum, Gabi Kanichowsky, Ido Shahar, Avishay Cohen and Dor Peretz who addressed the families on behalf of the players: “As opposed to a calendarial year, a football season normally lasts between the beginning of July and the end of May.

This season acts as a calendar for all of us – players, fans and everyone related to football. This season began normally for all of us but on the morning of the Saturday of October 7th all our lives stopped. I see here before me all the families, some I personally got to know well, but since that day – the tragic circumstances made this family bond between us much stronger.

My teammates and I, together with the clubs’ employees enlisted from day one – to console, strengthen, support, offer a shoulder, embrace, and try ease some of the pain caused by the terrible loss, or the wounds of those hospitalized or evacuated from their homes. All this whilst raising the awareness and calling for the speedy release of all the hostages still held in captivity.”

Adva Gabai, the sister of Netzer Simchi RIP, shared the story of her brother who fell in action in Gaza. The singer and Maccabi fan Regev Hod provided the artistic side to the event which was attended by in addition to the club’s senior management, members of Ahi Lasemel as he performed several songs.

  

Kfar Aza foxes

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They are not simply just mothers buy a venture uniting sport to a community showing that together everything is possible.

When we first heard of the Kfar Aza mother’s stand the first thing that came to our minds was all the women that stand behind the players supporting those on the pitch. But after getting to know Dikla Shamriz, Orit and Nira Spek whose kids play for the team present an entirely different picture – an initiative that deals with the bond of an entire community in a Kibbutz to sport and football. On October 7th this initiative received a new dimension of women’s empowerment. Watch

“A smile for several hours”: A tribute to the wounded soldiers

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Maccabi Tel Aviv fans returned to Bloomfield stadium last night (Wednesday) for the time since the war broke out. While Maccabi hosted Beitar Jerusalem for a ONE ZERO LEAGUE encounter, the Maccabi Tel Aviv Foundation hosted paid tribute to soldiers who were injured during the war. Twenty-four soldiers who were wounded during their service in the IDF in the various fronts Israel are fighting, enjoyed the hospitality of the Platinum lounge from where they watched the dramatic 1-0 victory over Beitar Jerusalem on MD12.

Prior to kickoff, Eyal Golasa, Dan Biton and Saied Abu Farchi met with the soldiers and heard their stories. Shortly after scoring his dramatic late winner, Yonatan Cohen, and the rest of the Maccabi squad came out of the dressing room to meet them and hand them some of the club’s official gifts.

 

Will remember forever: Sapir Bilmas R.I.P

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Our Sapir was a beacon of light in the lives of so many people who surrounded her as she spread so much pleasure, joy, and life.

Sadly this light was switched off on the Saturday of October 7th as Sapir partied for the final time at the Nova festival. In every moment and until her last breath, she lived life to the fullest, spreading free love wherever she went.

We are here to tell her story and would her to be remembered as happy and alive just like she is seen in the photo.

Durin g the festival when the ‘code red’ alarms were sounded, Sapir and her close friend Karin Vernikov R.I.P made their way towards the car in order to drive home. They even managed to send Sapir’s parents their location via WAZE so that they know where they were. They stopped at ‘Alumim’ park where they met the terrorists and were murdered.

Sapir was a girl who only wanted to celebrate life like any 24-year-old deserves. A girl with endless ambitions who loved to go and watch Maccabi ensuring she doesn’t miss a game!

Every day, every moment and with every breath everyone misses Sapir.

Now we are asking the precious Maccabi family to help raise the memory of Sapir. Her family and friends are collecting donations in a bid to name an ambulance after her. We believe that everyone could donate even a little bit we could reach the fee necessary so that her family could commemorate her as she deserves!

 

    

A special screening for the injured soldiers

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The Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation together with held a special screening event on Sunday for the club’s fans who were wounded as soldiers during the Swards of Iron was and are currently hospitalized at the Sheba Medical center in Tel Hashomer.

‘Prego’ – the Club’s sponsor supplied the dinner on the night as the soldiers enjoyed the special screening with the fan and TV personality Liron ‘Tiltil’ Orfali.

Guests of honor: the injured soldiers at Bloomfield

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Maccabi returned to Bloomfield stadium for the first time since October 7th as the club gave a little joy to several soldiers who are recovering from injuries.

The club hosted the soldiers at Bloomfield during the 2-1 victory over Maccabi Netanya and heard some of their stories. One of the soldiers, Matan Levy, of the Nahal infantry brigade was injured at kibbutz Nirim and lost his eyesight. To be able to understand what Maccabi were doing on the pitch, Levy, spent the time between sitting behind the bench with an earpiece listening to the broadcast, and sitting beside the commentary team to hear the entire play-by-play description.

Yonatan Ben Hemon of the 603rd Combat Engineering Battalion and Shalom Shitrit of Golani’s 13th battalion, both of whom lost their leg during battle in Gaza.

Natanel Takla of the Golani 13th battalion who was injured in the battles of Nahal Oz and Tal Sapir of 202nd Paratroopers Battalion who was severely injured in the battle of Kfar Aaza, were also amongst the soldiers who are hospitalized at the recovery ward of Tel Hashomer hospital.

 

An emotional candle lighting in wartime

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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”.

The emotional visit of Gal and Tal Goldstein at Kiryat Shalom

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On November 26th, Agam, Gal, Tal and their mother Chen Goldstein who were all kidnapped from their home in Kfar Aza on October 7th, were all released from captivity. The team which was then in Serbia preparing for the Conference League match against Zorya,received the news and didn’t hide their excitement. The players recorded special video messages congratulating the Goldstein family for their release, and promised Gal (9) a Maccabi fan who plays as a goalkeeper for Sha’ar Hanegev – a visit to Kiryat Shalom as well as a jersey and gloves.

 

 Today, (Friday) Gal and Tal accompanied by their family, were Maccabi’s guests at Kiryat Shalom as they met the players, the coaching staff who all welcomed them with open arms. As promised, Maccabi’s four keepers, Orlando Mosquerra, Roi Mishpati, Daniel Tenenbaum and Or Yitzhak presented Gal the jersey and gloves. The two brothers then enjoyed a behind the scenes tour of the complex before receiving official shirts with their names printed on the back and even participated in training. After watching the entire session, Tal, who celebrates his 7th birthday tomorrow, ended the visit by joining in the birthday toast of captain Sheran Yeini (37) today.