Beitar Jerusalem Legend Shimon Chernukha Dies at 78

Shimon Chernukha, a prominent Beitar Jerusalem player from the 1960s and the first in the club's history to represent the Israeli national team, passed away on Wednesday at age 78. Born on May 10, 1948, to a Jewish-Ukrainian family from Kharkiv and Holocaust survivors, he immigrated to Israel as an infant. Chernukha began his football career in Beitar Jerusalem's youth team and was promoted to the senior squad at 15 by coach Samuel Raznik. He played a key role in Beitar's promotion to the top league during the 1966-1968 double season and was known as a tough defender who intimidated opposing forwards.

On January 10, 1968, Chernukha made his debut for the Israeli national team against Belgium, becoming the first Beitar player to do so. While he spent most of his career at Beitar Jerusalem, he played the 1970-1971 season with Maccabi Netanya, winning the Israeli championship. After disagreements with Beitar chairman Yehoshua Matzaz, he left the club in 1972 and joined Shimshon Tel Aviv. Following his retirement, Chernukha disappeared from the football scene for several years before returning as a youth coach at Beitar Jerusalem. He was known for strict discipline and led the youth team to an unprecedented undefeated 26-match season with 25 wins and one draw. Under his guidance, notable players like Aviram Baruchyan and Amit Ben Shushan developed and later succeeded in the senior team. In later years, he coached Hapoel Mevaseret Zion's senior team in Liga Gimel Central Division.

Chernukha is survived by four sons and sixteen grandchildren.