Footballer Menashe Zalka Balances Military Service and National Contribution
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
Hapoel Hadera footballer Menashe Zalka has balanced a significant football career with combat reserve duty. After the October 7th events, he returned to military service, feeling public support is for all reservists. Zalka expressed that combining national contribution with football is his greatest gift, aiming to influence the younger generation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Footballer Menashe Zalka combines his sports career with combat reserve duty.
- Zalka became a symbol for Hapoel Hadera after their promotion to the Premier League.
- He stated public support is for all reserve soldiers, not just him.
- Zalka sees combining national contribution with football as his greatest gift.
- He aims to be an influential figure for the younger generation.
Menashe Zalka, a prominent figure associated with Hapoel Hadera and Israeli football, has a story that extends beyond his athletic career, intertwining sports with reserve military duty and national contribution. Zalka, who grew up in Hadera and began his football journey in the club's youth system, had to significantly pause his playing career upon enlisting for combat service. He later returned to the field, contributing to Hapoel Hadera's promotion to the Premier League, eventually becoming the team's captain and a symbol.
Following the events of October 7, Zalka once again left his home and football commitments to serve in the reserves. He emphasized that the affection he has received from the public since then is not directed solely at him, stating, "The public feels the support and love towards me, but it is actually for all reserve soldiers."
Zalka visited Alexander River and the Turtles Bridge in the Hefer Valley, his residential area and "one of the most beautiful places in the country," according to him. During his visit, he shared moments that shaped him. Alongside the honor of lighting a torch, he spoke about the responsibility of becoming an influential figure for the younger generation. "The possibility of combining contribution to the country with football, for me, that is the greatest gift," he said.