Toto Cup Final to Honor Reserve and Permanent Military Service Members

The Toto Cup final match between Maccabi and Hapoel Tel Aviv will be dedicated to honoring Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reserve and permanent service members. The Leagues Association and Toto announced on Wednesday that the game will feature a series of tributes to recognize the sacrifices of those defending the country.

The tributes will begin on social media and continue until the final, placing reservists and their families in the spotlight. As players enter the field, they will be accompanied by 25 children of reservists, symbolizing the strong family support system. These children will wear shirts reading "My Mom/Dad is My Captain."

Before the game starts, two reserve soldiers will be honored on the field: Lt. Col. (res.) Gilaur Toledano, a commander in Battalion 7008 and a Maccabi Tel Aviv fan, and Sgt. Maj. Alon Schwarzer, a combat engineer in Battalion 5280 of the Alexandroni Brigade and a Hapoel Tel Aviv fan. They will represent the tens of thousands serving on the front lines and in the home front.

Following the match, a reserve service member who is also a fan of the winning team will present the Toto Cup trophy to the captain. Brigadier General Beni Ben Ari stated, "We all embrace, honor, and salute the service members for their significant work and contribution to the country over three years of war. The game is an opportunity to thank them and their families and express the deep appreciation of the IDF and all of Israeli society." Erez Halfon, Chairman of the Leagues Association, added, "Reserve and permanent service members 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. This final is an opportunity for us, as a sports community, to thank them on the biggest stage."