A message from the club's CEO on the renewal of the league

To the Hapoel family,

The last two months have been shocking and difficult for all of us. First and foremost, the club did its best to protect and take care of the players, the coaching and club staff, and the fans.
 

In an uncertain environment, it was crucial for us to stay united and strong together as a club that is dear to all of us. We were welcomed with open arms in Belgrade, and started the group stage in the Champions League on the right foot, hoping to bring a few moments of comfort to the fans in Israel. At the same time, the wellbeing of our community was and remains of the upmost importance. Hapoel fans have always been there for the club, and in times like this, the club is there to hug and support our fans back. Our staff and players support and stand with the families of those who died and kidnapped at all times, and as a club that has set a goal to be a loyal steward of the community, we will continue to lead initiatives to help, restore and support those in need.
 

Alongside the difficult grief, our club values life and the desire to live. While the IDF gives its 100% in battle field, the team will give 100% on the court. We will not allow our enemies to stop life in Israel or to separate us from our love. With the gradual return to normal life in Israel while learning to live alongside the war, Hapoel will and had already slowly returned to providing small moments of comfort, lifting the morale and bringing joy to so many of us who need it these days.
 

Next week, the Israeli League games will begin with two away games under the gathering restrictions of the IDF Home Front Command. After that, we will return to complete the BCL group stage games in Belgrade as part of a gradual process of bringing the team back to Israel. The club is doing its best to postpone home games at the Arena in Jerusalem in order to minimize damage to season ticket holders, both in terms of gathering restrictions and in terms of those who are not yet mentally ready to return to the Arena. The first home games will be held on December 27th against Bnei Herzliya and on December 31st against Hapoel Be’er Sheva with the hope that by then, the gathering restrictions would be lifted and we would be able to host all our fans safely. All of the above is subject to changes in the security situation as we are obligated to act according to the instructions of the government and the IDF.
 

We are aware of the uncertain challenging financial situation and put a lot of thought into the impact on season ticket holders. Since the situation in the country is very dynamic and it is hard to predict what would happen, we ask our loyal fans who have season tickets to be patient and remain united together with us during the upcoming season. After the League Office decides on the game schedule and format and after the fighting would be over, the club will examine the impact to the season ticket holders and will provide adequate solution or compensation if necessary.
 

I would like to conclude with a warm Welcome Back greeting to our brothers and sisters who have returned to us from the fight and from captivity and a call to continue all efforts until all Israeli citizens return home to us. We can’t wait to host you at the Arena!
 

Yalla Hapoel and Am Israel Chai!