Bnei Sakhnin Honors Slain Former Player Lior Assulin with Memorial Match

Bnei Sakhnin hosted a memorial match Tuesday evening at Doha Stadium to honor former striker Lior Assulin, who was murdered at the Nova music festival in Re'im on October 7, 2023. The mayor of Sakhnin, Ma'azen Ganaim, apologized to Assulin's family for his death and for the club's subsequent silence. Assulin's sister, Oritel, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed that while the silence had been painful, the mayor's apology was deeply meaningful and brought great comfort. She noted that Lior, who was celebrating his 43rd birthday at the festival, was murdered by Hamas terrorists and that the family chose to remember him as a unifier who believed football could bridge divides.

Shai Zaratz, Chairman of the Football Association, emphasized football's unifying power, stating that all are equal in the locker room, regardless of religion or background, and recalled Assulin's smile during his time at Maccabi Petah Tikva. He commended Bnei Sakhnin for preserving Assulin's memory.

The exhibition game featured veterans from Bnei Sakhnin's 2004 State Cup-winning team, coached by Eyal Lachman, playing against "Lior's Friends." Assulin was a key player in that historic victory. The article lists numerous former players who participated, including Abbas Suan, Khaled Halaila, and Gabriel Lima. The match saw goals from Mor Shaked, Lior Shamhon, and Nabo Mizrahi.

Assulin, who passed away at 43, was a prominent striker in Israeli football for many years. He played for multiple clubs, including Maccabi Herzliya, Maccabi Petah Tikva, Bnei Sakhnin, Beitar Jerusalem, and Hapoel Tel Aviv, among others.