Maccabi Haifa Holds Memorial Ceremony for Fans Lost Since October 7

Maccabi Haifa Football Club held a memorial event on Monday to honor 120 of its fans who have been killed or fallen since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. The ceremony took place in the stadium's memorial hall and was attended by all the team's players, coaching staff, the CEO, and club employees.

Among the attendees were Shmulik Negari, father of Major (res.) Ro'i Negari, who fell in battle in Be'eri while protecting his soldiers, and Sandra Magen, wife of Master Sergeant (res.) Aviv Magen, a commando who fell in Lebanon on October 7, 2024, exactly one year after the war began. They shared the legacies of the fallen heroes and their special connection to Maccabi Haifa with those present.

Club CEO Itzik Ovadia stated, "Three years have passed since October 7, and the pain has become part of all our lives. At Maccabi Haifa, the concepts of 'family' and 'community' take on a much deeper meaning at these moments. 120 fans, who were an integral part of us, were murdered and fell. To Shmulik, Sandra, and all the families: there are no words that can touch the magnitude of the loss, but it is important for you to know that you are not alone. Ro'i, Aviv, and every one of the fans we lost are heroes, and we will continue to tell their stories of heroism. We find it a privilege and a deep responsibility to remember them and continue to give them a place within the green community. A football club is not just what happens on the field; it is the mosaic of its fans, and they will always remain a part of Maccabi Haifa."

Shmulik Negari added, "Our commemoration is an active commemoration. We try to pass on the values that guided Ro'i and the way he lived, just as this club operates with wonderful management and active deeds. I saw the video Maccabi made in memory of the fallen, the contribution to the community, and the activity in the field, it's not just lighting a memorial candle, but very blessed action, and for that, you deserve a huge bravo."

Sandra Magen said, "Aviv loved Maccabi Haifa from home and raised our two children to love Maccabi. Since he was killed, Matan and I have been attending games at Sammy Ofer together."