The Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation along with Under-15 side Maccabi “Ilan” Tel Aviv and coach Amir Sofer went to the Jaffa Institute to learn about the plight of the elderly and Holocaust survivors in the Jaffa neighborhood. The team packed up boxes of non-perishable food at the organization’s warehouse located just a 10 minute walk away from the Kiryat Shalom Training Facility and got them ready for delivery to those in need.

Last week, the Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation got together with the Netanya branch of Chinuch L’Psagot – Educating for Excellence for a fantastic Hanukah Party for the children and parents of the program. Maccabinio, doughnuts and Maccabi gift bags were all in order for the activity as Foundation Head Josh Halickman gave an Interactive Presentation about Maccabi Tel Aviv. A moving candle lighting ceremony and songs were also on tap for a night of fun and celebration!

Israel’s newest citizens, who recently moved to the country with the help of Nefesh B’Nefesh enjoyed a fun day with the Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation at Kiryat Shalom. Foundation Head Josh Halickman gave his History of Maccabi Tel Aviv through the Modern Day State of Israel Interactive Multimedia Presentation to the group while they also had a training session with Yellow & Blue Youth Department Coach Amir Sofer.

Later on the parents and children received Maccabi hats and munched on Hanukah Doughnuts before heading over to the Jaffa Institute where they put together food packages for the elderly who live in the area.

Birthright Israel groups are well known throughout the country and the Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation is now also one of the stops on their journey throughout the Holy Land.

On Hanukah a group of over 50 Birthright Israel: Mayanot participants descended upon the training facility for an educational and fun filled activity that included Foundation Head Josh Halickman’s interactive multimedia presentation about the History of the Modern Day State of Israel through Maccabi Tel Aviv, sports and football.

They also participated in a training session on the Kiryat Shalom pitch under the direction of Coach Amir Sofer while learning about the Israeli media from the Club’s Press Officer Ofer Ronen.

Halickman said: “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 participated in a training session with Amir Sofer, one of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s up & coming coaches 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. As well the Club’s Press Officer Ofer Ronen spoke about the challenges of navigating the Israeli media. I look forward to hosting more of these fabulous groups in the future.”

The Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation together with Yellow & Blue players, Eliel Peretz and Daniel Tenenbaum visited the Special Olympics Club in Ramat Aviv. Maccabinio along with US college students from the Aardvark Gap Year Program also entertained the athletes by playing UNIFIED Football, lighting the Hanukiah and eating doughnuts in honor of the Holiday.

Special Olympics Israel CEO Reuven Astrachan was also on hand for the excitement as the Maccabi Foundation continues to take the partnership with the organization that works with those individuals with intellectual disabilities to the next level.

Over the past couple of weeks, the Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation has been busy holding special presentations for the Yellow & Blue Youth Department sides with IDF soldiers who were injured in battle in recognition of Israel’s Injured Soldiers Day which took place on December 15th.

Liran Baruch who was injured in the second Intifada and Omer Levi who was severely hurt during Tzuk Eitan told their stories along with how they rehabilitated and continued living inspired lives. The young players were very moved and honored to have been in the presence of these two heroes as they asked many questions and looked ahead as to how they can be the best they can be as they serve Israel in the near future.

This past Friday, the Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation took part in a special Sports Day for Lone Soldiers serving in the IDF at Sportek Tel Aviv. Over 100 Lone Soldiers participated in football, basketball and volleyball tournaments as Foundation Head Josh Halickman spoke about Maccabi, the importance of being a part of these activities along with awarding prizes to all!