Maccabi Tel Aviv Opens League Season Without Three Foreign Players

The season opener will double as a memorial event dedicated to the victims of the October 7th attacks. All league teams will observe a moment of silence during the round. At the arena, children from Gaza envelope communities will stand alongside the players during introductions, and Micha Biton, a resident of Nativ HaAsara, will sing the national anthem.

The club will also honor reservist soldiers who are fans of the team. A special award will be presented in memory of Rotem Levi, a combat officer and leader of the fan organization who fell in combat in northern Gaza. The reports refer to Levi's rank variously as Second Lieutenant (Reserves), Captain, and First Sergeant (Reserves).

For the roster, Maccabi Tel Aviv will rest Daniel Theis, Yovel Zoosman, and Josh Nebo. According to Walla, Oshey Brissett and Efev Lundberg are also not registered for the game. Captain John DiBartolomeo is set to return to the court after missing three games. Hapoel Galil Elyon enters the season with a young squad, utilizing only four foreign players to provide more opportunities for Israeli talent.