Brother Honors Fallen Soldier by Pursuing Champions League Dream with Hapoel Be'er Sheva

Dor Dayag, 24, emotionally recalls visiting his late brother Niv's grave before flying to Baku for a crucial football match. Niv Dayag, only 19, died in a military road accident in the Golan Heights over a year ago. Dor shares how their father, originally from Be'er Sheva, instilled in them a passion for Hapoel Be'er Sheva, a team they both fervently supported. The brothers often competed over who loved the club more and were deeply hurt when the team failed to qualify for the Champions League in previous attempts.

Before departing for Azerbaijan, Dor visited Niv's grave to tell him about the upcoming playoff match that could secure Hapoel Be'er Sheva's place in the Champions League. Dor expresses a strong desire to return to Israel with the qualification ticket and visit Niv's grave again to share the achievement. He reflects on the shock and grief when the military came to inform the family of Niv's death, emphasizing the difficulty of accepting his loss.

Despite his grief, Dor believes Niv's spirit supports the team from beyond, inspiring the players and contributing to their success. He frequently writes about Niv on social media, feeling that his brother's energy helps the club. Dor's story highlights the personal and emotional connection between family, military service, and football in Israel, as he carries his brother's memory into this pivotal moment for Hapoel Be'er Sheva.