Dr. Avraham Bein Retires at 72 After Decades as Bnei Yehuda Team Doctor

Dr. Avraham Bein, the longtime team doctor for Israeli football club Bnei Yehuda, announced his retirement at age 72. Bein’s involvement with the club began in 1994 when he treated the legendary chairman Gad Sulami, who had a severe heel injury before a critical youth match in Germany. After successfully operating on Sulami without hesitation, Bein was invited to become the club’s chief physician, a role he accepted without a formal contract, viewing Bnei Yehuda as family rather than a job.

Throughout his career, Bein also served as a doctor for the Israeli national handball team and several other football clubs, including Hapoel Rishon LeZion and Hapoel Petah Tikva. He specialized in sports medicine after training in orthopedics at Assaf Harofeh Medical Center under Professor Nahum Halperin. Bein’s expertise helped many players extend their careers, including Eliran Atar, who recovered from a severe foot fracture, and Morad Magamadov, whose pain was alleviated through Bein’s accurate diagnosis.

Bein also faced tragic moments, such as the death of Hapoel Tayibe player Haib Jabara during a match in 1997, where Bein was the sole medical professional on site. Despite his efforts, the player could not be saved. Bein emphasized his commitment to player safety, often refusing to allow athletes with concussions back onto the field, a decision later appreciated by teams.

Although retiring from on-field duties, Bein continues to perform surgeries and provide consultations at his clinic. He praised younger doctors and expressed confidence in their abilities, encouraging giving them more credit. Bein’s career was marked by dedication to helping athletes recover and return to play, which he described as his greatest satisfaction.

Summary: Dr. Avraham Bein, who served as Bnei Yehuda’s team doctor since 1994, retires at 72 after a distinguished career in sports medicine, helping numerous athletes and prioritizing player safety. He continues surgical work and advocates for younger doctors in the field.