Abner Biton Flies Across Europe as Hapoel Be'er Sheva's Most Devoted Fan

Abner Biton, 67, has spent the last decade traveling to every Hapoel Be'er Sheva football match across Europe, embodying the ultimate dedicated fan. As the team nears a historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League, Biton's passport is filled with stamps from major European cities such as Paris, London, Munich, and Madrid. His journeys have taken him to remote locations like Kazakhstan and Albania, involving long taxi rides and challenging conditions, but also to iconic football venues where he supports his team passionately.

Biton, who is preparing for retirement from his job at the Dead Sea factories, lives out of suitcases during the football season. He relies on a travel agent to arrange flights and accommodations, and his family understands his intense commitment during these months. Despite occasional travel disruptions, such as a recent strike at Ben Gurion Airport that delayed his return from Bucharest, Biton remains undeterred. His experiences include tense encounters, like a 2019 incident in Kazakhstan where he faced local hostility but managed to stay safe by buying time with a lengthy meal.

His dedication extends beyond mere attendance; Biton once traveled five hours by taxi through Germany to reach a match in Poland on Yom Kippur, refusing to miss the game despite the challenges. He also helped fellow veteran fan Eliyahu Bergman attend a match abroad after decades without international travel. Biton’s travels have taken him to exotic places like Iceland, where he found the scenery breathtaking but football fan entertainment lacking.

For Biton, Europe is not a tourist destination but the stage for Hapoel Be'er Sheva’s football journey. He proudly wears the team’s red jersey and considers himself a full-time supporter. His extensive travel has led to frequent passport renewals due to the sheer number of stamps. As the team prepares for a crucial match against Sabah in Baku, Biton is ready to embark on another trip, hopeful to witness a historic moment for the club and its fans.

"We only live once and don’t keep score," Biton said, reflecting on the sacrifices and joys of his unique football pilgrimage.