In loving memory: Hapoel salutes the fallen

On 7.10 our lives were turned upside down. The disaster that befell the country, affected every home in Israel, and leaves its mark to this day. Since then, we have been informed of difficult news and many soldiers who fall in the battle for the defense of the homeland. Among those killed in the disaster and those killed in the war that followed, there were many Hapoel fans. Those who were used to arguing about the next signing, coming with friends to eat a hot dog before the game, cheering, getting angry and happy with every basket and positive move by Hapoel. Those who did it until 7.10, and will not do it again.

 

 

Hapoel, as a club that is much more than a basketball team, but a real community and family, chose to hold a special ceremony in memory of all the fallen on a big and dignified stage, against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the arena in front of many thousands of red fans. The ceremony, in the presence of the bereaved families, was moderated by Maor Schweitzer, a respected actor and die-hard Hapoel fan, who opened by saying: "We gathered here today to stand by the seventeen families who joined the circle of bereavement and tell them in a clear voice: You are not alone! Hapoel will always be here by your side supports, hugs". After that, Maor read the names of the martyrs and the fallen, without leaving a single dry eye in the arena: Yigal Iloz, Barak Ben Valid, Tomer Barak, Aviv Baram, Naftali Gordon, Roy Daoui, Eitan Dishon, Shilo Har-Evan, Ben Zussman, Roy Yochai Yosef - Mordechai, Adi Leon, Roi Nahari, Amir Naim, Shahar Friedman, David Kroll, Ariel Reich and Elad Sasson.

 

 

On behalf of the bereaved families, Ronan Nahari, the father of the late Capt. Roy Nahari who fell on 7/10 and was a staunch Hapoel fan, spoke on behalf of the bereaved families, because what unites us alongside the great pain is the love for Hapoel Jerusalem, said Ronan. Not long ago, our boys were standing here in red, encouraging and excited. Today we tell you dear fans - Hapoel Jerusalem is a real family! We stand here and say, thank you, Hapoel!" Ronan continued, as he addressed the thousands of fans spread out in the stands of the Arena. Nahari continued and wanted to use the stage to send a message of unity: "On the seventh of October, the abominable killers did not murder Hapoel red fans, they murdered Jews, Israelis. Based on the spirit of our club - it is appropriate to send a message of unity and love here".