Maccabi Tel Aviv Receives President's Award for Sports Excellence

Maccabi Tel Aviv was honored with the President's Award for Sports in a ceremony attended by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Chairman of the Center for Local Government Haim Bibas, and Knesset Sports Subcommittee Chair MK Simon Davidson. The club's chairman, Shimon Mizrahi, highlighted the award's significance in symbolizing the connection between sports and community, especially during recent difficult years marked by bereaved families. Mizrahi emphasized how sports clubs have commemorated fallen loved ones and maintained ties with families of hostages.

President Herzog praised the social role of sports clubs, noting their national mission in uniting families who have lost loved ones and transforming teams and fans into exceptional support networks. He described sports clubs as central partners in remembrance initiatives and as anchors of resilience for grieving families. Herzog also stressed how local sports clubs restore a sense of normalcy and mental well-being, strengthening belonging and capability for all, including the bereaved and wounded.

Herzog characterized the award as distinct from typical trophies, celebrating not only victory but growth, calling Maccabi Tel Aviv "the beautiful face of Israel." He expressed hope that their story would inspire the entire nation with values of love for sports, mutual responsibility, and community. Closing his remarks, Herzog reminded the audience that despite political divisions, opponents are not enemies and urged unity after the election period, emphasizing that everyone remains on the same field in life.