When Maccabi Tel Aviv took the pitch of their new home at the Netanya Stadium against Gorica in Europa League qualifying action, the Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation hosted a group of Bnei Menashe Olim to their first ever football match in Israel.
The Bnei Menashe (sons of Manasseh) claim descent from one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel and settled in what is now northeastern India. While in exile they continued to nourish the dream of one day returning to the land of their ancestors, the Land of Israel. Shavei Israel (http://shavei.org) is the organization responsible for helping the Bnei Menashe make their dream a reality as they continuously extend a helping hand to all members of the extended Jewish family and to all who seek to rediscover or renew their link with the people of Israel.
The new fans of the Yellow & Blue couldn’t believe their eyes as they approached the stadium and met Maccabi’s mascot, Maccabinio while also celebrating a trio of goals by their new favorite team. Two of the children also had a chance to walk onto the pitch with the players prior to the start of the match.
Michael Freund, Founder and Chairman of Shavei Israel said: “We were delighted by Maccabi Tel Aviv’s warm and generous invitation to host 50 Bnei Menashe immigrants from India at their recent match and this meant a great deal to them. After all, Maccabi Tel Aviv is an Israeli institution. For the Bnei Menashe to be welcomed home to Zion in such a public setting sends them a clear and unequivocal message: you are our brethren and we welcome you back home.”
Head of the Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation, Josh Halickman also commented: “It was a true honor and pleasure to host the Bnei Menashe group of Olim from Shavei Israel and to give a taste of Maccabi football to a whole new set of fans. One of the goals of the Foundation is to connect with as many people as possible both in Israel and around the world and welcome them as part of the Maccabi Tel Aviv family.”
