At their match against Beitar Jerusalem at Haifa's "Sammy Ofer" Stadium, Maccabi Tel Aviv honoured Ely Tayib, who was critically wounded in the 1982 Lebanese War
Today for the first time, a national day of commemoration will be held for the many hundreds of Israeli citizens wounded in war and in terror-related incidents. Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club are among those joining in to express their gratitude and admiration for the country's citizens who made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and security of their fellow countrymen and women. Last night, prior to kick-off at the team's match against Beitar Jerusalem at Haifa's "Sammy Ofer" Stadium, Maccabi held a short ceremony in honour of the occasion with Ely Tayib, who at the time of the first Lebanese War in 1982 was a member of a special trauma unit of the Israel Defence Forces' Golani corps. Mr Tayib now conducts lectures to the country's youth on the lessons to be learnt from the famous Battle of the Beaufort, one of the first clashes of the war, for control of the famous Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon. Also invited to participate in the ceremony were Ohad Reusblatt, Assi Hayav, Louie Marai and Radi Kayuf, all of whom were unfortunately unable to attend.
The decision to hold this annual event was taken last summer and commemorations will be held at educational institutions, youth movements, municipalities and local councils everywhere in Israel. Sports tournaments for the handicapped will also be held at rehabilitation centres all over the country.
