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.”
