Category: News
Watch: The Memorial Day service
Memorial Day, is Israel’s national day of mourning to commemorate the fallen soldiers of the State of Israel and victims of terrorism is observed across the country on Tuesday evening and Wednesday. Maccabi is also marking this day with a deep sense of reverence and solemnity, at the Avi Cohen Youth Academy complex in Kiryat Shalom.
From the camera’s lens: Maccabi’s sweet night
MACCABI BEAT HAIFA 1-0
Previews:
Maccabi arrived at the Sammy Ofer stadium for the ONE ZERO League MD33 top of the table clash against Maccabi Haifa with 73 points – five points more than the hosts.
Maccabi’s Head Coach, Robbie Keane, whose only victory over Haifa this season was in the Toto Cup Final, knows that any result but a defeat would be a big step towards securing a second title and the most important one of the campaign. Following Monday’s 1-1 draw away to Bnei Sakhnin, Keane, was forced to try guide Maccabi to victory without his influential winger, Felicio Milson, after the Angolan was serving a one-match touchline ban after being sent off at Doha. In the absence of Milson, Keane made several changes to his side as Matan Baltaxa stepped into the side and lined up alongside Raz Shlomo and Enric Saborit as the three centra defenders.
Roy Revivo who set up Maccabi’s goal in Sakhnin and Ofir Davidzada were the two wing-backs on the right left respectively to complete Maccabi’s defensive line. In midfield, Keane stuck with his midfield trio as Eden Karzev, Dor Peretz and Gabi Kanichowsky all kept their places. Dan Biton, whose last start was in the State Cup match against Maccabi Petah Tikva early last month, returned to the side for his 42nd appearance of the season. Eran Zahavi whose last goal was against Haifa when both teams last met at Bloomfield, led the line in chase of his 36th goal in all competitions.
On the bench Keane named Daniel Tenenbaum, Idan Nachmias, Dor Turgeman, Joris van Overeem, Younas Malede, Eyal Golasa, Derrick Luckassen, Ido Shahar and Osher Davida.
First Half
Maccabe began the match on the back foot as Haifa pinned Robbie Keane’s side in their own half during the opening stages. While Haifa missed several chances, Maccabi’s first shot on goal came in the 14th minute as Roy Revivo fired a shot which was collected by Shareef Keouf. Haifa’s tall Haitian striker, Fratzy Pierrot, sent a header wide of Roi Mishpati’s goal while Lorenco Simic headed a corner over.
In the 23rd minute Dor Peretz was booked by referee Roi Reinshreiber for a foul on Haifa’s Mahmoud Ja’aber, a fact which would sideline him from Saturday’s match against Haooel Beersheva. A minute later, Abdolaye Seck tripped Eran Zahavi inside the area before Reinshreiber awarded a penalty. Zahavi stepped up, sent Keouf the wrong way to give Maccabi a 1-0 lead with his 17th league goal and 36th in all competitions this season.
Five minutes after the half hour mark Maccabi came close to the score from a counter attack which began with Dan Biton and saw him release Ofir Davidzada down the left. But despite a perfect square ball across the face of goal, Zahavi, who suffered from a dislocated collar bone when fouled for the penalty, was inches away from reaching that cross before Haifa’s defense managed to clear the danger.
In the 42nd minute Haifa were forced to make their first change as Daniel Snudgren limped off and was replaced by Ilay Feingold. The fourth official signaled four minutes of added but Maccabi’s defense managed to deal with everything that Haifa threw at them before Reinshreiber’s halftime whistle sent both teams to regroup in the dressing room.
Second Half
Less than thirty seconds after the restart Roy Revivo was cautioned for a foul on Pierrot. Haifa took the free kick early as Lior Rafaelov charged forward and curled the ball into the box. Din David sent a backheel flick that beat Mishpati at the near post. But Haifa’s celebrations were short-lived as VAR intervened and disallowed the goal for offside.
Two minutes later Revivo charged into the box and was clearly brought down by Simic with no response from the referee. Once again VAR was called into action, sent the referee to the screen and a penalty was awarded. Zahavi stepped up once again, but this time Keouf dived to his left and saved the spot kick to deny Zahavi and Maccabi their second.
In the 65th minute Rafaelov blasted a shot over the crossbar before Keane reacted with a double substitution as Biton and Zahavi bowed out and were replaced by Joris van Overeem and Dor Turgeman. Keane’s counterpart made two changes himself as Gadi Kinda and Ilay Hagag came on for Simic and Rafaelov a minute later.
Keane made his third change in the 70th minute as Ofir Davidzada limped off with what seems like a tight hamstring and was replaced by Idan Nachmias. Revivo returned to his original role at left back while Nachmias slotted in on the right. In the 72nd minute Turgeman charged forward for a counter attack and was stopped by Kinda who was consequently booked.
Enric Saborit went down with a hamstring injury and limped off in the 80th minute as Keane introduced Derrick Luckassen as his fourth and final change. In the 89th minute, seconds before the fourth official signaled 7 minutes of added time, Kinda was left unmarked and rattled Mishpati’s post with a powerful header. Haifa tried desperately to snatch an equalizer but Maccabi showed grit and determination, defended their lead and celebrated a massive victory at the final whistle.
Peretz: “Our defensive display today was perfect”
Dor Perezt celebrated his 50th appearance for Maccabi this season with a 1-0 victory over second place Maccabi Haifa which increased the lead at the top of the table to 8 points. The 28-year-old midfielder, said after the game which took Maccabi a step closer towards the league title: “From the first moment we showed what was our target. We had it in our heads to win rather than salvage a draw” Peretz said, ”Our attitude and application right from the start was amazing. We were aggressive and fortunately it manifested itself in the result. We are delighted now as it is an important victory here over Maccabi Haifa, but we still have plenty of work. It is not over just yet and until we officially secure this title there is no room for celebrations.”
On Maccabi’s impressive defensive display, Peretz added: “A defensive game is a team effort. Just as there are no single players to blame when mistakes occur, this is also part of a team. Our defensive display today was perfect. We were there to jump on every loose ball and didn’t give them a single chance besides Gadi Kinda’s header near the end which struck the post. We could be very proud of ourselves for the form we showed, for our will to win every dual and take it forward for the rest of our season.”
With owner Mitch Goldhar and his representative Jack Angelides both present, Perertz was asked whether their influence inspired the team: “I don’t know, because we do our best in every game we play. The fact they are here now just intensifies the fact we would like to win for ourselves and for them. Mitch totally deserves it, for all his investment over the years. I am just happy that this is exactly what happened today”.
As for the importance of beating their bitter rivals at their home ground, Peretz added: “Winning here is massive especially as you give the fans a great feeling of travelling back home happy.”
Answering claims made by Haifa’s captain, Lior Rafaelov, that they are a better at football, Peretz said: “I have a feeling that every time before a match against Maccabi Haifa when we are interviewed then we are asked to comment about something someone from Maccabi Haifa either their coach or one of their players said. After the game we are asked to comment on something they said as well. So, they can talk about us, and focus on us but as long as results go in our favor, they can continue talking and focusing on us, while we will continue doing our job and focusing on ourselves.”
Peretz, who will be suspended from the next match against Hapoel Be’ersheva summed up: “We will need to continue doing our job. Every match is important for us. Once we secure the title we will celebrate.”
Keane: “Mentality and character won us the game”
A story of courage and bravery: Oz Tzemach remembered
Oz Tzemach was a tank commander in the Second Lebanon War and he and his crew were killed in action on August 12, 2006 when they sustained a direct hit from an anti-tank missile as they sought to rescue comrades under enemy fire in broad daylight.
Oz and his three crew members were killed instantly in their final mission and they showed exemplary courage as they sought to help others for which they were all decorated posthumously.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has commemorated Oz’s memory and has named its Boys C South team in his honour, it is known as Maccabi Tel Aviv “Oz.” Until his enlistment for military service, Oz played basketball for Maccabi Reut, whose colours are also yellow and blue. He and his family have long been followers of Maccabi Tel Aviv. 
This is the story of the Oz Crew as recounted on the web site to his memory, http://www.oztzemach.co.il/Oz-Crew-English.html
Shalom and welcome to the Oz Crew memorial site here in Kibbutz Ma’ayan Baruch.
The crewmen of tank 3 Bet, later known as Oz Crew, fought in the Second Lebanon War. They were part of Company Gimmel of Battalion 53 that is part of the 188 Barak Brigade.
The tank commander was Oz Tzemach from Reut, the gunner was Yinon Yigal Nisan from Ma’aleh Adumim, the driver was Dan Broyer from Bet Hilel and the loader–radioman was Haran Lev from Ma’ayan Baruch, where this monument has been established.
On the morning of July 12th 2006, the Hezbollah terror organization launched a bombardment of Katushya rocket fire over the northern communities in Israel and IDF outposts along the Lebanese border with Israel. Under the cover of this assault, Hezbollah attacked an IDF patrol moving along the border fence, killing three soldiers and kidnapping two others.
Following these events, the Government of Israel declared war against the Hezbollah that was later referred to as the Second Lebanon War. In the first stages of the war, the IDF attacked various enemy targets all over Lebanon using only air force and artillery units. Nevertheless, the Hezbollah continued firing rockets and missiles against civilian targets across northern Israel. 
The next stage of fighting involved the gradual use of both regular and reserve IDF ground forces that penetrated into south Lebanon.
Battalion 53 was at that time deployed in the area of Maccabim and it began preparing to enter the fray.
On August 6, Company Gimmel received its first mission, to make contact with Battalion 75 of the 7th brigade in order to defend a logistics route. In the following days, the company was positioned in a fortified outpost near the village of Ainata in the vicinity of Bint Jbeil.
From this outpost, the company carried out various actions, including opening routes, conducting ambushes, patrolling the area and performing complex evacuation missions. There was also success in striking many terrorists.
On Saturday, August 12, the battalion was ordered to advance to Shekif A-Nimmel ridge to provide cover to the advancing Golani infantry brigade who were closing in on the town of Tibnin.
The battalion, located in Ainata, began moving at 16:00 hours with Company Aleph leading and Company Gimmel following. The rest of the battalion was behind them.
Maneuvering was difficult along the hilly terrain and with no alternative route. Just before nightfall, a heavy bombardment of anti tank missiles rained over Company Gimmel from the direction of the village of Kunin. The company commander gave the order to advance and seek cover and it was then that a missile hit tank 3 Aleph that was moving in front of tank 3 Bet, the Oz Crew tank.
The tank’s firing mechanism was damaged and was inoperable. The tank commander suffered wounds and was incapacitated. The company commander then gave the order to retreat but just then his own tank overturned which also put it out of action. The battalion commander and the commander of platoon 3 who were in the region rushed to help. 
The loader in tank 3 Aleph, which had been hit, replaced the injured commander and took command of the tank but he struggled to move the tank backwards. Oz Tzemach, the commander of tank 3 Bet, observed the tank in difficulty and remained to assist the commander by providing cover with live fire.
Oz Crew found a sheltered position along the slope thereby giving tank 3 Aleph the possibility to pass. As tank 3 Aleph passed tank 3 Bet, it stopped briefly to receive instructions from Oz.
Tank 3 Aleph continued moving backwards, while tank 3 Bet continued to cover its movement with heavy fire.
Over the radio, the voice of Oz Tzemach was heard delivering his last message: “Commander, this is 3 Bet, last one moving.”
A while later, the deputy company commander left the fortified outpost at Ainata together with a crew of engineers and a D9 bulldozer to rescue the company commander’s damaged tank. On their way, the bulldozer operator informed that a tank was on fire. When the deputy battalion company commander and his men arrived at the site, they found that tank 3 Bet had been hit and that the entire crew had been killed.
Company Gimmel continued its withdrawal and the four me of Oz Crew were taken for burial.
Two days later, on Monday August 14, a ceasefire was declared and the IDF began a gradual withdrawal from Lebanon. The company continued to operate in Lebanon until the final retreat on October 1. 
The Oz Crew, who managed to save the lives of others, all received posthumous decorations for bravery from OC Northern Command and their citation award reads:
“This decoration is given for commitment, fighting spirit, personal example, professionalism, camaraderie and fearlessness.”
The Second Lebanon War lasted for 34 days and cost the lives of 121 Israeli soldiers.
May all their memories be blessed.
Watch: Goldhar met the team ahead of Haifa
Maccabi’s owner, Mitch Goldhar, arrived at the PenguinPickUp training complex in Kiryat Shalom this morning where he met the first team’s coaching and playing staff ahead of their departure to Haifa for the ONE ZERO League match against Maccabi Haifa later tonight (20:30).
Earlier, Goldhar, accompanied by his representative Jack Angelides, CEO Ben Mansford, Technical Director Dominic Price and Youth Academy Director Gadi Brummer, attended the Under 17’s 3-0 victory over Hapoel Ra’anana.
Warming up: 5 goals at Haifa
Watch: Kanichowsky ahead of Maccabi Haifa
On Monday at Sakhnin, Gabi Kanichowsky made his 50th appearance for Maccabi this season during the 1-1 draw which extended the lead at the top of the table to 5 points. Three days later, the 26-year-old midfielder who scored 10 goals and added 11 assists in all competitions faced the media at the press conference ahead of Saturday’s top of the table clash. “We have a five-point-lead and need to continue doing exactly what we did all season. It is not going to change especially now” Kanichowsky said. “We have a caching staff that knows exactly what needs to be done and we as players have been to these situations in the past. It is a privilege to be in such a position.”
While Maccabi sold its’ entire 2850 allocation, Haifa will have a clear advantage in the stands as Sammy Ofer will packed to its 30,000 ,Answering those who suggest the hosts are the clear favorites, Kanichowsky replied: “All those who have been talking about Maccabi all year, can keep talking. We have been top of the table all season as we know what we need to do” he added. “For every player, to be part of such a game is fun and a privilege. I don’t deal with what is written or said and I don’t think that whoever is here deals with it either. We managed to do something amazing this season and we need to continue doing exactly that.”
With four matches left till the end of the season and 12 points still left to play for, Kanichowsly was asked on Haifa’s need to win while his side could suffice with a draw: “I am not bothered with what Haifa need, as a Maccabi player we aim to win every match even at Sammy Ofer. We really come to win because this is our mentality.”
When asked about the video clip the club produced in memory of his late close friend Shauli Greenglick who was killed in action in Gaza, Kanichowsky said: “The forthcoming Memorial Day will be toughest one for all of us. I lost two very close friends of mine. I watched the clip before it was released, it to hear his (Shauli’s) voice is extremely emotional. He has many songs and personally I find it very difficult to listen because it makes me cry every time. This is the situation we have in this country – it is very sad that there are still hostages being held and we are in this situation. The situation in this country is extremely complex.”
