Category: Community

Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation & Special Olympics Israel announce partnership

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Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club Foundation and Special Olympics Israel are delighted to announce that Maccabi Tel Aviv FC has become Israel’s first Team Ambassador for the global Special Olympics Movement.

By partnering with Special Olympics, Maccabi Tel Aviv FC joins leading football clubs world wide including Ajax Amsterdam, Inter Milan, Tottenham and Celtic as a Team Ambassador along with many other clubs world wide. By becoming a Team Ambassador, just as the first Israel Special Olympics Games are about to take place, Maccabi Tel Aviv FC is making the proud and bold statement attesting to the importance of raising awareness about the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities by promoting inclusion, generating greater public awareness and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities. Through the cooperation, Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation and Special Olympics will give these athletes the opportunity through sports to realize their potential, develop physically, mentally and socially.

Josh Halickman, Head of the Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club Foundation praised the collaboration: “Special Olympics programs help those with intellectual challenges and aligns itself perfectly with one of the Foundation’s main goals-the promotion of social action activities. It is a great honor for us to raise public awareness about this most important issue and ensure that this segment of the population has the opportunity to play football and be recognized for their special abilities and talents.AD0Y9491”

Gal Alberman, Ambassador for Maccabi Tel Aviv FC, said: “As an Ambassador for Special Olympics, I along with my teammates want to help ensure that more and more athletes across the country with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to change their lives through the joy of football. By doing this they will hearten us all with their courage and determination.”

Daniel Benaim, Chairman of Special Olympics Israel, said: “Partnering with the leading football club in Israel, Maccabi Tel Aviv is of great importance and a natural connection with the sports community in Israel in order to help fulfill the dreams of athletes with intellectual disabilities. The cooperation will continue to help raise the awareness of sports fans across Israel with the hope that through this relationship more athletes will join the organization’s activities, especially in the realm of football. Thank you and congratulations for your desire and willingness to join forces together.”

Between September 25-27, Special Olympics Israel will be holding its first ever national games. Over 1,200 athletes will participate in 11 sports including, bowling, kayaking, horse riding and football. The majority of the activities will take place at the Wingate Institute and prior to the start of the games a Torch Relay (between September 18-25) will visit nine cities across the country from Beer Sheva in the south all the way to Beit Shean in the north. Thousands of supporters and fans will take part in the Torch Relay.

Maccabi Foundation Welcomes Nefesh B’Nefesh to Kiryat Shalom

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The Maccabi Foundation and Nefesh B’Nefesh got together at the Yellow & Blue training facility at Kiryat Shalom for an exciting day Maccabi, football and fun! Children and parents alike were treated to a variety of activities which included an encounter with youth player Noam Cohen, an interactive multimedia presentation about the history of Maccabi, football and Israel and a training session and football games with educational consultant and youth department goalkeeping coach Hen Abdu.
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The highlight of the event was meeting Maccabi Tel Aviv legend Vicky Peretz who spoke to the group about his experience as a professional footballer for the the Yellow & Blue and representing Israel at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. Following his talk, Vicky took pictures and signed autographs on mini-footballs that each child received and everyone was treated to Popsicles to close out a wonderful activity that will never be forgotten.
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Nefesh B’Nefesh representative, Karen Richman commented: “Thank you again for an enriching, educational, and fun program today. The Olim kids and parents had a great time and got a lot out of the morning. We look forward to doing more programs together.”

Josh Halickman, the Head of the Foundation summed up the event: “It was an honor to welcome new Olim and Nefesh B’Nefesh to Maccabi Tel Aviv as the Foundation continues to reach out to many different populations who are part of the Israeli fabric. I myself an immigrant to Israel knows how important it is for those new to the country to be part of a family and part of a warm community. I’m proud that we at Maccabi can make them feel part of all of us.”

U16, Brothers for Life & the Foundation visit Leket Israel

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This past Sunday morning, the Under-16 team along with Maccabi Youth Department Educational Consultant Hen Abdu and a number of injured IDF veterans visited the LEKET Israel warehouse in Raanana for a morning of giving back to the community. The vision and mission of LEKET Israel is to direct surplus, nutritious food via safe, effective and efficient collection and distribution to those who need it throughout Israel.
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Together the group learned about how more than 175K people are fed every week with the food that is collected, sorted and then distributed. Over the course of the program the participants separated out vegetables for the needy with lots of music in the background and fun talk between them all.

Hen Abdu commented, “All of the community activities are extremely valuable and are a key part of the educational development of every player in the youth department. Our goal is to expose our players to the importance of giving back and helping others in order for them to grow up to be better citizens. The program with LEKET ISRAEL along with the IDF veterans allowed the youngsters to help the needy, understand the value of food and the ecological system while working hand in hand with those who sacrificed themselves for others. I would like to thank the Maccabi Foundation and all those involved for this very important activity.”

Maccabi Foundation, US College Athletes & Coexistence

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Kiryat Shalom held an exciting activity last week that included both the Maccabi and Taibe Youth Departments along with some amazing US NCAA college athletes who are here with StandWithUs/Standing Ovation to see Israel first hand and to return to their college campuses and homes with a better understanding of facts that will correct common prejudices about the Arab-Israeli conflict.
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The sportspeople which included basketball players, wrestlers and swimmers got to see first hand how friendship, fun and football trumps all when it comes to sports in the Holy Land. The children were split up into 8 mixed teams and together with the NCAA athletes competed in a tournament that was more about multiculturalism, Jews, Arabs and Christians than winning, losing or drawing.

Following the tournament, Josh Halickman, Head of the Maccabi Tel Aviv Foundation launched a discussion with the athletes about the history of Israel though the Maccabi lens and discussed the club’s rich past.
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One of the participants Caleb Wigginton said (Basketball player, Florida Tech):  “It was such a blessing getting to play and interact with the kids. For me, one of the coolest things about sports is their ability to bring and bond people together. It was amazing seeing the Arab and Israeli kids engage, laugh and play alongside each other.”
 
Aviv Rosenfeld from Standing Ovation also spoke about the importance of the activity: “I believe that the program that we participated in together with both the athletes and the children along with Maccabi Tel Aviv showed the true face of the State of Israel and proves that sports is a perfect way to further multiculturalism and coexistence.”

HISENSE & the Maccabi Foundation Team Up for the Community

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Last evening some very fortunate children from the Netanya branch of Educating for Excellence had the chance of a lifetime as HISENSE along with the Maccabi Tel Aviv Foundation were able to treat them to an unforgettable evening in the sponsor’s VIP Box at the Netanya Stadium.

HISENSE, China’s largest electronic company core values are “Technology, Quality, Integrity, & Responsibility” and they were all on display yesterday during Maccabi Tel Aviv’s 3:0 win as the children from Educating for Excellence enjoyed seeing the match for the best seats in the house while having all of the wonderful perks of being in a world class luxury box.

“Educating for Excellence” reduces social gaps and creates equal opportunities for children with potential for excellence, is a key non profit organization that the Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation works with through educational programming, football and sports.

Rami Francis, Vice President of Sales for HISENSE spoke of the wonderful gesture of inviting the group of children to the match: “HISENSE is not only one of Maccabi Tel Aviv FC’s sponsors with advertisements on the pitch and selling televisions, but we are also partners in giving back to the community in conjunction with the Maccabi Foundation. This is not just a one time event but we are thrilled to continue with other activities throughout the season. Yesterday’s experience was outstanding and at the end of the evening I was more excited and pleaded than the children!”

Knaffayim Shel Krembo meet the Maccabi players

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This past Sunday, July 25th, the monthly Maccabi FIRST Community Day took place at Kiryat Shalom where fans of all ages had the opportunity to meet with the players. Just before the activity began, The Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation teamed up with Knaffayim Shel Krembo (Krembo Wings) to give the children from the only youth movement in Israel for children and youth with and without disabilities the opportunity to see their favorite players up close and personal.

The children took pictures with the stars, spoke with them, received their autographs and even gave the players a gift from Knaffayim Shel Krembo.

Birthright Israel at Kiryat Shalom

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Birthright Israel groups are well known throughout the country and now Maccabi Tel Aviv has also become part of the experience for these young Jews during their time in the Holy Land. The Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation initiated this exciting new program as the Birthright Israel group arrived at Kiryat Shalom for an all encompassing Zionistic program.
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This morning, more than 50 Birthright Israel: Mayanot participants descended upon the training facility for an educational and fun filled activity that began with an encounter with the Youth Club’s Captain, Tomer Altman who discussed the process he went through to become a player at Maccabi Tel Aviv. He also talked about the values he has learned and put in practice both on and off of the pitch as well as his experience playing in the UEFA Youth League Champions League. The midfielder answered questions from the group and of course took a picture with the participants.
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Following the talk with Altman, the group split up into two as half went to participate in a training session on the Kiryat Shalom pitch under the direction of Coach Idan Kazinitz while the other group participated in an interactive multimedia presentation about the history of the Modern Day State of Israel through Maccabi Tel Aviv, sports and football given by Josh Halickman, the Head of the Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation who commented: “The Israel Birthright group had a wonderful experience where they were able to see how Zionism, Israel, Judaism, sports and of course Maccabi Tel Aviv can all be combined into one. Through the rich sports history of Maccabi Tel Aviv, we took a trip though time beginning with Theodor Herzl to the first sports clubs of Maccabi throughout Palestine. We then delved into Maccabi’s Holocaust connection to the founding of the Modern Day State of Israel and examined key moments along with Israeli athletes who have helped mold and represent Israel around the globe. Over the course of the presentation, we weaved our way through the many distinct communities that makes Israel the true melting pot of Jews worldwide plus the many other religions and people that help make Israel a unique society.

Sports in Israel is part of the day to day life of the average person who picks up the newspaper, listens to the news or watches TV. From football to basketball and of course the Olympics, Israel continues to strive to be the best it can be and provides the society at large a much needed diversion. Sports is woven into the fabric of the Israeli culture from the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat and reflects a vibrant, modern and creative society.
 
The group also had the privilege to meet Tomer Altman, our youth team Captain and participated in a training session by a Maccabi Tel Aviv coach who used both fun and educational activities on the field at the Kiryat Shalom Training Facility. The participants saw first hand how the most professional sports franchise in the country uses the latest in technology to continuously keep their athletes ahead of the curve. I look forward to hosting more of these fabulous groups in the future.”

Youth Players Visit Ichilov Hospital

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Slowly but surely, the youth department is coming back to life as the players are beginning to come back from the break. Today, following a training session, they went on an important field trip to the Geriatric department at Ichilov Hospital to pay a visit to the patients.

The youngsters entertained the residents and spoke to them at length. Goalkeeping coach and educational consultant, Chen Abdu spoke to the Official Website: “This is just one of the many activities that we do at the youth department. Just as the guys are coming back from their break and returning to practice, there is nothing better to do than to give back to the community.”

The Foundation & Make-A-Wish team up for Ofri

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The Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation and Make-A-Wish Israel teamed up to grant Ofri, a 9 year old boy who suffers from leukemia his wish to meet Eran Zahavi and kick the ball around with him on the pitch, just days prior to his leaving for a new challenge in China.

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Unbeknownst to Ofri, he and his family arrived at Kiryat Shalom to “pick up” a few things at the Team Store but was then quickly ushered onto the training pitch when all of a sudden his idol, Zahavi walked in for a practice session. Ofri’s eyes widened like saucers as he greeted number 7 and found out that his wish had come true; A chance to play one on one with his favorite player.

Both Zahavi & Ofri put on their training gear and headed out onto the field as they played together in the late afternoon sun.

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Denise Bar-Aharon, CEO and Founder “Make-A-Wish Israel said: “There is nothing more touching than seeing the wish of a child come true, after experiencing painful days and nights fighting their illness. Meeting Eran Zahavi was selected out of everything else in the world that Ofri could have chosen, and it was the right choice! Eran was wonderful and gave Ofri quality one on one time. Eran Zahavi is not only a giant on the field but as a human being! Thank you to the Maccabi Tel Aviv Foundation for making this wish happen, we could not have done it without you!”

Maxine Levitt, the Foundation’s Corporate and Community Relations Associate commented: “It was an absolutely unbelievable encounter especially seeing Ofri’s eyes light up when his hero walked in. Ofri didn’t know whether to laugh or cry out of happiness and excitement. The Foundation was very pleased to be able to partner with Make-A-Wish Israel to help make Ofri’s dream come true after a long and difficult battle. But the knowledge that a dream could come true aided him to make it through a very hard period of time.”

The Foundation welcomes Shavei Israel

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When Maccabi Tel Aviv took the pitch of their new home at the Netanya Stadium against Gorica in Europa League qualifying action, the Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation hosted a group of Bnei Menashe Olim to their first ever football match in Israel.

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The Bnei Menashe (sons of Manasseh) claim descent from one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel and settled in what is now northeastern India. While in exile they continued to nourish the dream of one day returning to the land of their ancestors, the Land of Israel. Shavei Israel (http://shavei.org) is the organization responsible for helping the Bnei Menashe make their dream a reality as they continuously extend a helping hand to all members of the extended Jewish family and to all who seek to rediscover or renew their link with the people of Israel.

The new fans of the Yellow & Blue couldn’t believe their eyes as they approached the stadium and met Maccabi’s mascot, Maccabinio while also celebrating a trio of goals by their new favorite team. Two of the children also had a chance to walk onto the pitch with the players prior to the start of the match.

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Michael Freund, Founder and Chairman of Shavei Israel said: “We were delighted by Maccabi Tel Aviv’s warm and generous invitation to host 50 Bnei Menashe immigrants from India at their recent match and this meant a great deal to them. After all, Maccabi Tel Aviv is an Israeli institution. For the Bnei Menashe to be welcomed home to Zion in such a public setting sends them a clear and unequivocal message: you are our brethren and we welcome you back home.”

Head of the Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation, Josh Halickman also commented: “It was a true honor and pleasure to host the Bnei Menashe group of Olim from Shavei Israel and to give a taste of Maccabi football to a whole new set of fans. One of the goals of the Foundation is to connect with as many people as possible both in Israel and around the world and welcome them as part of the Maccabi Tel Aviv family.”