Toto Cup Final to Honor Reserve and Active Duty Soldiers

The upcoming Toto Cup final between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv will be dedicated to honoring Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reserve and active duty soldiers. The League Management and Toto announced on Wednesday that the match will feature several tributes to recognize the sacrifices of those defending the country.

The tributes will begin on social media and continue through Thursday, placing reservists and their families in the spotlight. During the players' entrance, 25 children of reservists will walk onto the field alongside the players and referees, symbolizing the strong family support system. These children will wear shirts reading "My Mom/Dad is My Captain."

Before the game starts, a special ceremony will be held on the field with two reserve soldiers representing the tens of thousands serving on the front lines and in the home front. These representatives are Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Gil'or Toledano, a commander in Battalion 7008 and a Maccabi Tel Aviv fan, and Reserve Sergeant Major Alon Schwartzer of the 5280 Engineering Battalion, a Hapoel Tel Aviv fan.

The highlight of the evening will be the trophy presentation after the final whistle. A reserve soldier, who is also a fan of the winning team, will present the Toto Cup to the team captain.

Brigadier General Beni Ben Ari stated, "We all embrace, honor, and salute the reservists and active duty soldiers for their significant work and contribution to the country over more than three years of war. Alongside the operational mission, the families are always on the minds of the soldiers. This game is an opportunity for us to say thank you to them and their families and express the deep appreciation of the IDF and the entire Israeli society for their dedication and efforts."

Erez Halfon, Chairman of the League Management, added, "Reserve and active duty soldiers are the backbone of Israeli society, and Israeli football is proud to salute them. Their families at home are the silent heroes of the past three years. The Toto Cup final is an opportunity for us, as a sports community, to say thank you on the biggest stage, to embrace the children, honor the fighters, and give them the respect they deserve."