Category: Community

Maccabi Foundation & Youth Department Mark International Holocaust Day

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The Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation and the Youth Academy marked International Holocaust Day with a special interactive presentation about the Club’s connection and history with the Holocaust. Foundation Head Josh Halickman spoke to both the Under-12 North & South squads about how former great Yosele Merimovitch convinced management to change the club’s white kit to yellow to stand in solidarity with the Jews of Poland who were forced to wear the Yellow Star.

The youngsters also listened in awe about how in the late 1930’s Maccabi went to the United States in order to raise money for their families, friends and relatives who were stuck in Nazi occupied Europe. This program is part of the Youth Department’s continuing education project under the direction of Leon Asraf, the Youth Academy’s Education Director.

Maccabi Foundation celebrates Hanukkah with Lone Soldiers

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The Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club Foundation along with The Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin hosted a special Hanukkah gathering for the Lone Soldiers. Together with Achim L’Semel a fantastic celebratory get together was had that included a fabulous BBQ, music, PlayStation, candle lighting and a special guest in Omer Atzili who came to visit along with the brand new Toto Cup Trophy.

Over 80 Lone Soldiers arrived to the festivities and enjoyed a terrific time as everyone got to take a picture with the trophy and took home some great Maccabi gifts.

Foundation Head Josh Halickman talked about the importance of the project with the Lone Soldiers which includes a myriad of activities and also thanked Achim L’Semel who helped make the day unforgettable.

The Foundation has been able to accompany the Lone Soldiers during their service as well as following their time in the army thanks to over 100 Maccabi families who have adopted the soldiers and have aided them in their studies, helped them adjust to society as well as finding them employment.

One of the main focuses of this season has been a Driver’s License Project, which is one of the basic necessities in order for one to be able to function and obtain employment. From theory, practical lessons and being issued a drivers license, the Foundation is currently working with 4 Lone Soldiers and will add more to the program in the near future.

Together as one: The Maccabi Foundation recognizes Lone Soldier Day

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The Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation along with The Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin are mobilizing the Maccabi fans for the Lone Soldiers. Over the past two seasons the Foundation has provided support for the Lone Soldiers while in the army through the Yellow & Blue fans and sponsors.

מכבי ת”א מתגייסת למען החיילים הבודדים

The Foundation has been able to accompany the Lone Soldiers during their service as well as following their time in the army thanks to over 100 Maccabi families who have adopted the soldiers and have aided them in their studies, helped them adjust to society as well as finding them employment.

חיילים בודדים ()


One of the main focuses of this season has been a Driver’s License Project, which is one of the basic necessities in order for one to be able to function and obtain employment. From theory, practical lessons and being issued a drivers license, the Foundation is currently working with 4 Lone Soldiers and will add more to the program in the near future.

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Throughout the season there are Yellow & Blue social events including Holiday gatherings as well as trips throughout the country.

As part of the project the Maccabi Foundation has hosted over 250 Lone Soldiers at home matches and have been joined by the fans in the stands and on the way to the stadium.

World Children’s Day at the Maccabi Foundation

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In honor of World Children’s Day, the Maccabi Foundation made sure to find a way to mark the day as international as possible for a youngster from the United States. Michoel Yosef Beyderman from Brooklyn, New York came to Israel for his Bar Mitzvah and especially wanted to celebrate this special event with a trip to Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The MTAFC Foundation helped surprise the 13-year old with a chance to meet some of the Yellow & Blue stars from around the world including Nick Blackman from England, Tino Susic from Bosnia, goalkeeper coach Shura Uvarov who is originally from Russia, Daniel Lifshitz born in Sweden, Israeli Or Dasa Israel and of course Aaron Schoenfeld, Maccabi’s resident American.

After meeting the players, Beyderman took part in a Foundation trial and after passing his test with flying colors came to the Maccabi office’s to sign a special Lifetime Contract with the Foundation as a Good Deeds Ambassador and was presented with an official match jersey with his name and number.

Upon signing with the Foundation, Beyderman commented:
“I’m very happy to have joined the Maccabi Foundation and I want to thank my parents for raising me well. I’m looking forward to excelling in all of the challenges ahead of me.”

He also spoke about the importance of helping others and becoming a better person:
“My goal in life is to help people and give them the opportunities that I have been given. I enjoyed learning how to be a better person and footballer thanks to the Maccabi Foundation.”

Marking his Bar Mitzvah in Israel:
“Israel is the holiest place and the best part about visiting Israel for my Bar Mitzvah is that I am with my people.”

Maccabi Foundation Driver’s License Project for Lone Soldiers

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Last season the Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation began programing for Lone Soldiers in the IDF and have now moved into high gear, literally, as a brand new Driver’s License Project is underway together with The Lone Soldier Center – In Memory of Michael Levin.

What is the importance of obtaining a driver’s license? In today’s world, a driver’s license is one of the basic necessities in order for one to be able to function and obtain employment. For a Lone Soldier who is just being released from the army, it’s a step that will help open up doors for them in the job market.

Head of the Maccabi Foundation Josh Halickman explained: “It’s critical to have a driver’s license in today’s day and age in order to make a living. This project will help the Lone Soldiers increase their chances in obtaining employment and also aid them in reintegrating into society.”

One of the Lone Soldiers who is participating in the program spoke about its importance: “This is something that extremely helpful. A drivers’ license is so important today as it gives a person the independence they need to succeed after the army.”

Lone Soldiers are comprised of a number of populations. Half come from foreign countries while the other half grew up in Israel but for one reason or another are not in touch with their families.

The Maccabi Foundation’s Busy October

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The month of October was very busy at the Maccabi Foundation as the Yellow & Blue spirit impacted hundreds of people of all ages at the Netanya Stadium, Kiryat Shalom and beyond. From honoring Special Olympics Athletes prior to league matches, hosting Lone Soldiers, children with challenges, At-Risk Youth and others at the games, donating jerseys, uniforms and more to those in need, to the Community Day at Kiryat Shalom and beyond, the Maccabi Foundation was all over the map.

November will see the start of weekly football training sessions at three Chinuch L’Psagot, Educating for Excellence centers, the Lone Soldiers Driving License Program and a number of other surprises.

Check out the pictures from the past month!

Ben Haim, Peretz & Tenenbaum visit Schneider Medical Center

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Maccabi Tel Aviv will face Spanish outfit Villarreal this Thursday in Europa League Group Stage Action but before the big clash, 3 Yellow & Blue players took time out to do some good deeds. Tal Ben Haim, Dor Peretz and Daniel Tenenbaum visited Schneider Children’s Medical Center in Petah Tikva along with the Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation Head Josh Halickman.

ביקור שחקנים בבית חולים שניידר

The four went from department to department, met with the children and their parents, took pictures with them and handed out Maccabi presents with the goal of giving them strength to continue battling in their time of need.

Maccabi Foundation helps feed the needy for the Holidays

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The Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation, Achim Le’Semel and Pitchon Lev took part in a Rosh Hashana project to help feed the needy for the Holidays. The Yellow & Blue players, Club staff and fans took time out to help pack food boxes at the Kiryat Shalom Training Facility that will be delivered in time for the Holiday. Over 600 packages were put together with non perishable foods including rice, tuna, condiments and more.

Tal Ben Haim spoke about the opportunity to help out those in need: “We’re happy to take part in this wonderful activity. The Maccabi Foundation does so many important programs and projects throughout the season and this is one where we can help families in need and by turning the Holiday into a happier one for them all.

Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation and Special Olympics Begin Second Season of Programming

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Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club Foundation and ‘Special Olympics Israel’ are continuing their partnership to promote greater inclusion and raise public awareness about people with intellectual disabilities through athletic competition and other related programs.

By continuing to partner with Special Olympics, Maccabi Tel Aviv FC joins leading international football clubs such as Ajax Amsterdam, Inter Milan, Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic as a Team Ambassador. By taking up the role of a Team Ambassador, Maccabi Tel Aviv FC promoting inclusion, while generating greater public awareness and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities. Amongst other things, Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Foundation and Special Olympics will give these athletes the opportunity to realize their potential, develop physically, mentally and socially through sports.

Ahead of every Maccabi Tel Aviv home league match, a ‘Special Olympics’ athlete will be presented with the Foundation’s Medallion of Honor by the Maccabi captain. The Medallion signifies the value which Maccabi Tel Aviv places on each and every athlete and makes the proud and bold statement attesting to the importance of raising awareness about the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities.

In addition, the “Together as One” Maccabi Foundation bi-weekly training sessions will be conducted by Maccabi Tel Aviv coaches with ‘Special Olympics’ athletes both at the Kiryat Shalom Training Complex and at their centers. The Maccabi players will also take part in the training sessions as special guest instructors and play “Unified” matches with the athletes. After last year’s competition drew over 140 footballers from across the country, Maccabi will also host the Second Annual Special Olympics Tournament once again.

Josh Halickman, Head of the Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club Foundation, said: “It gives me great pleasure to launch the second season of ‘Special Olympics’ programs as we have moved our activities into high gear for the upcoming campaign. Awarding the Foundation Medallion of Honor, holding the “Together as One” football training sessions and hosting the 2nd Annual National Special Olympics Football Tournament will help continue raise awareness of those with intellectual challenges.”

Daniel Benaim, Chairman of Special Olympics Israel, said: “I would like to thank Maccabi Tel Aviv for partnering with Special Olympics once again as we continue to fulfill the dreams of athletes with intellectual disabilities. I hope that more and more athletes will join the organization’s programs and I am certain that our programs together will continue to expand and further impact the Special Olympics community and beyond.”

About ‘Special Olympics Israel’:
‘Special Olympics Israel’ as part of the ‘Special Olympics international organization’ was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in the United States. The organization was founded with the belief that people with intellectual disabilities had many talents and gifts to offer and used sports as a common ground to unite people from all walks of life. Special Olympics Israel has over 3,500 athletes participating in 16 sports while more than 4.5 million athletes in 177 countries take part in programming around the globe.



About Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club Foundation:
The Foundation’s mission is to help make an impact on the larger Israeli society using the positive energy of football to effect the lives of those in our community. The Foundation focusses on three main categories of activities: Youth & Education, Multiculturalism and Social Action.

The Foundation is committed to improving the lives of children from various populations in Israel, merge diverse cultures together and to influence the community as a whole using the power of football. Our vision is to make each and every supporter an active player and ambassador of the Foundation, thereby increasing our impact across the nation.

Golasa Visits Children’s Hospital

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There’s nothing more exciting for a child to have a Maccabi Tel Aviv footballer visit them. But it’s even more emotional and meaningful for the child and parent should they unfortunately be hospitalized.

Eyal Golasa made a surprise visit to the Dana-Dwek Children’s Hospital with the Maccabi Foundation and made plenty of smile from ear to ear as he handed out scarves and jerseys while signing autographs and posing for pictures.

The midfielder said: “It’s always great to visit the hospital and make the children happy. It’s also very meaningful for myself. As players we are able to give hope to both the children and parents. It’s an honor and privilege for us to help cheer up the children.”