Ronnie Kleiman, Former Maccabi Tel Aviv Chairman and City of Tel Aviv Honoree, Dies at 80

Ronnie Kleiman, a prominent public figure in Israeli sports and civic life, has passed away at the age of 80. Kleiman was widely recognized for his significant contributions to Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club, serving on its board in the 1980s and later as its chairman in the early 1990s. The club expressed deep sorrow over his death, sending condolences to his family.

Beyond his involvement with Maccabi Tel Aviv, Kleiman was active in extensive public service. He served for many years as the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Tonga and was instrumental in the establishment of the Yitzhak Rabin Center. The center remembered him as a "true friend, a dreamer and achiever, one of the builders and lovers of the center."

Kleiman, who was honored as a "Yakir City" (Distinguished Citizen) of Tel Aviv-Yafo, successfully blended his passions for sports, international relations, and commemorating the legacy of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin throughout his life. He is survived by his wife, Alona, children, grandchildren, and a large extended family.

The funeral is scheduled for Thursday at 2:00 PM at the Menuchat Olam cemetery in Netanya. The family will be observing Shiva, the traditional seven-day mourning period, at their home at 3 Yehuda HaNasi Street in Tel Aviv.