Two Years Since the Outbreak of the Devastating War: The Hapoel Family Mourns and Remembers

Today we mark two years since the brutal terror attack and the painful war that claimed the lives of thousands of Israelis — among them dozens of Hapoel Tel Aviv fans.

From that cursed day, the Hapoel Tel Aviv community lost many of its own: families slaughtered in the Gaza border kibbutzim, young people who came to celebrate life at the Nova festival, and members of the security forces who fought bravely within Israel and beyond its borders.
Hapoel Tel Aviv was a meaningful part of each of their lives — and we are committed to preserving and honoring their memory.

Over the past two years, we have continued to embrace the bereaved families who lost their entire world, to extend help and support to all those wounded in body and soul, and to maintain the strength and resilience of our beloved community.

Our prayer is for the war to end without further loss of life, for the swift return of all hostages home, and for days of peace and quiet.

We will remember them all, we will love them all —
and you will never walk alone.

Together, forever.

The two clubs held a joint ceremony attended by the families of fans from both teams who were murdered on October 7: “We will continue to commemorate and remember forever״

Before the kickoff of last night’s match against Hapoel Be’er Sheva, the two clubs held a ceremony marking two years since the outbreak of the war. Players and referees took to the pitch wearing shirts honoring the 48 hostages still held captive.

Joining them on the field were the families of Hapoel Be’er Sheva fans Shahar Kriaf, murdered on Zikim Beach, and Amit Cohen, murdered at the Nova festival - alongside the families of Hapoel Tel Aviv fans who were murdered in the horrific massacre and whose bodies remain in Gaza: Meni Godard from Be’eri and Lior Rodaif from Nir Yitzhak.

“We will continue to commemorate all those who were murdered and express gratitude to all the heroes who saved, were injured, and fought for us. We conclude with a call and prayer for the release of the hostages - amen,” the stadium announcer concluded.

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv defeated 2–1 this evening at Toto Turner Stadium against Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Matchday 6 of the Israeli Premier League. Huge equalizer by Touriel.

Hapoel travelled to Turner Stadium in Be’er Sheva carrying strong momentum, with four wins in their first five league matches, aiming to continue their excellent start to the season.

However, in the 6th minute, the home side scored on their first attack of the match, putting Hapoel 1–0 down.

Despite the disappointing start, the Reds responded quickly. In the 9th minute, Stav Touriel curled a stunning free kick into the net to equalise — his fifth goal of the season in six matches.

Hapoel continued to dominate most of the first half and nearly completed the turnaround when Daniel Dappa found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but his effort went just wide of the post.

The second half was more balanced, but it was the hosts who were awarded a penalty, which they converted to regain the lead. Hapoel pushed forward in search of another equaliser but couldn’t find the breakthrough, recording their first league defeat of the season.

Despite the loss, Hapoel remain near the top of the table — sitting third with 13 points and an impressive goal tally of 15:9 after six matches.

The league will now pause for an international break. On 19.10, Hapoel will return to Bloomfield Stadium to host the Tel Aviv Derby as part of Matchday 7. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:30.

Hapoel Lineup:

Asaf Tzur, Shahar Piven (Amit Lemkin – 23’), Fernand Mayembo (C), Chico Alves, Doron Leidner, Lucas Falcao, Andrian Kraiev, Ran Benjamin (Shanda Silva – 62’), Roee Elkokin (Loizos Loizou – 62’), Stav Touriel (Roy Korine – 77’), Daniel Dappa (Omri Altman – 77’)

Referee: David Foxman at Toto Turner Stadium, Be’er Sheva.

Match Events Timeline

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv to Face Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Turner Stadium Tonight

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv will visit Turner Stadium in Be’er Sheva tonight to face the local Hapoel side in the sixth round of the Israeli Premier League. Ahead of the clash, we’ve compiled all the key statistics, historical context, and interesting details you need to know before kickoff.

After last round’s dramatic victory over Hapoel Haifa at Bloomfield Stadium, Hapoel will line up tonight in a top-of-the-table showdown against Hapoel Be’er Sheva, as part of the league’s sixth round.

Tel Aviv arrives in positive momentum, sitting in third place with four wins and one draw from five rounds, alongside a goal difference of 14 scored and 7 conceded.

In contrast, the Negev capital club is enjoying a perfect start to the season, boasting five wins from five matches, a goal difference of 20:4, and first place in the standings.

The two teams met in the Toto Cup semifinal earlier this season. Hapoel traveled to Turner Stadium and won 2–0 with goals from Liran Rotman (38’) and Amit Lemkin (67’).

Match Information

A Look at the History

Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Be’er Sheva have met 113 times in league play, and 139 times across all official competitions – among the highest totals in Israeli football. Over the years, this rivalry has become one of the league’s most compelling fixtures, attracting attention every season. Here are the key numbers and highlights from their shared history:

Overall Record:

As the Away Team (Hapoel Tel Aviv):

Surprisingly, the first league meeting took place only on November 27, 1965, at Ashkelon – Be’er Sheva’s temporary home stadium – during the seventh round. Be’er Sheva took the lead in the 2nd minute, but Gideon Tish equalized for Hapoel in the 67th minute, finishing the match 1:1.

One of the most memorable moments in the rivalry came on January 3, 1970, when Hapoel Tel Aviv thrashed Be’er Sheva 0:8 at Bloomfield – the club’s largest league victory against this opponent. Goals were scored by Meir Berner (1), Yehezkel Hazum (7, 89), George Borba (12, 33, 84), Avraham Cohen (76), and Yehoshua Feigenbaum (88).

Fast-forward to the 1997/1998 season – the “shoelace season” – in round 28 at Vasermil Stadium. Wearing gray, Hapoel, in the midst of a title race, exploded in the second half to win 1:4, with goals by Giorgi Darselia (55), Ofer Shtrit (64, 90 penalty), and an own goal (78). Be’er Sheva pulled one back in the 84th minute.

Another notable victory occurred during the 2009/2010 double-winning season. In round three at Vasermil, Hapoel won 1:3, marking Nemanja Vučinić’s debut, scoring three goals along the way.

Notable encounters from recent years

In the last ten league meetings: two wins for Hapoel, three draws, and five wins for Be’er Sheva.

One interesting historical note: the teams have met only once in a sixth-round league fixture – on December 7, 1968, when Hapoel hosted at Bloomfield and won 2:4, with goals from Yehezkel Hazum (13), Ami Admoni (38, 65), and Chaim Noreli (43).