Maccabi Haifa Honors 120 Fans Lost Since October 7

Maccabi Haifa Football Club held a memorial event on Monday to commemorate 120 of its fans who have died since October 7, 2023. The ceremony took place at the club's stadium memorial space and was attended by all players, coaching staff, the CEO, and club employees.

Among the attendees were Shmulik Negari, father of reserve Major Roi Negari, who fell in battle in Bari while protecting his soldiers, and Sandra Magen, wife of reserve Sergeant Major Aviv Magen, a commando who died in Lebanon on October 7, 2024, exactly one year after the war began. They shared the legacy of the two heroes and their special connection to Maccabi Haifa with the ceremony's participants.

Club CEO Itzik Ovadia stated during the event, "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 in these moments. 120 fans, an integral part of us, were murdered and fell. To Shmulik, Sandra, and all the families: no words can touch the magnitude of this loss, but it is important for you to know that you are not alone. Roi, Aviv, and every one of the fans we lost are heroes, and we will continue to tell their stories of bravery. We find deep honor and responsibility in remembering them and continuing 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 active. We try to pass on the values that guided Roi and the way he lived, just as this club operates with wonderful management and active deeds. I saw the video Maccabi made for 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."