In honor of Tu B'Av Hila Madar revealed "Her Love at First Sight"
I'll never forget the day when Hapoel Haifa won the championship against Maccabi Tel Aviv at Kiryat Eliezer Stadium. I was only a 9-year old who loved the "Backstreet Boys" and "Hi-Five" but as I sat on my living room couch twitching around all I could see was the Yellow-and-Blue players who were running around the pitch. It was like magic…
My father saw that I was glued to the TV screen and simply asked: "Football?" That's when my obsession with the Maccabi began.
During summer vacation I remember getting up early in the morning so I could snatch the sports section before my older brother did, in order to see if Maccabi picked up a new player. Then I constantly nagged my parents for Maccabi ztuff until they finally bought me Maccabi bed sheets, a jersey and scarf.
But my obsession didn't stop there, it only got worse. I wore a Maccabi bracelet and chain, plus I had flags, hats and anything else that was yellow. I dedicated my life to Maccabi, my heart and soul and it continues to this day.
My infatuation with Maccabi hit its peak when my father (who's not a Maccabi fan) agreed to take me to the Israel State Cup semi-final against Hapoel when I was 12-years old. He had to pick me up so I could see because everyone was standing on their feet at Ramat Gan Stadium.
Maccabi for 16 years you've been my Valentine's Day date.
16 years and my love affair with you will never go away.
