Today (Thursday), following the team’s training session, an emotional ceremony was held at the Hodorov training complex in memory of Hezi Yaakobi – a devoted fan who tragically passed away from cardiac arrest during a match last season.
Yaakobi family, generously donated and installed a defibrillator at the training facility to be used by the club in case of emergency.
In recent months, the family launched a fundraising campaign to honor Hezi’s memory in a meaningful way – and successfully reached their goal, thanks in large part to the warm embrace and support of Hapoel fans.
Sharon Yaakobi, Hezi’s widow, gave a short demonstration to the players and coaching staff on how to use the device – aiming to raise awareness and potentially save lives.
Club CEO Guy Primor, team manager Salim Tuama, and club captain Fernand Mayembo presented the family with a special gift on behalf of the club – as a token of appreciation for their moving and important gesture.
Forever remembering Hezi | Together, always ♾️❤️
The kit for 2025/26 were launched in collaboration with members of Kibbutz Re'im - who have recently returned to their home
Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv Football Club is proud to unveil tonight (Monday) the team’s official kits for the 2025/26 season - launched in collaboration with the members of Kibbutz Re'im, who recently returned to their homes.
This year, we chose to present the 2025/26 season kits together with the members of Kibbutz Re’im, who have only recently returned after nearly two years - since that cursed day, October 7th, 2023. Their choice to come back, rebuild the kibbutz, and resume their lives there is a true source of inspiration.
These kits don’t just represent a new season - they symbolize a return home, to our natural place.
Upon arriving at the kibbutz, we met several of its members who took part in the launch:
Imri Bonim, a father of three who also served in the kibbutz’s emergency response team as a reservist over the past two years.
Agnes Gabay, a kindergarten teacher at the kibbutz, currently working hard to reopen its daycare.
Gavin Dashward, the kibbutz’s poultry farmer, responsible for 15,000 chickens.
Shabtai Gabay, a devoted fan of the club, who tragically lost his son Yuval z”l at the start of the war.
To the residents of Kibbutz Re’im and to all the people of the Gaza Envelope — these kits are a tribute and a salute to all of you. Our hearts are back where they belong.
And may the red shirt be soaked in sweat.
Yalla Hapoel ❤️
Click here to purchase a season ticket for 2025/26
Forever in Our Hearts: In Memory of Hanan Yablonka and Yonatan Samerano
An emotional evening took place at the Hodorov Complex, featuring an exhibition match between Hapoel Tel Aviv’s veterans team and the Nova Tribe Association team, dedicated to the memory of two supporters of the club who were murdered in the massacre at the Nova music festival.
Tonight (Wednesday), a moving event was held at the Hodorov Complex in collaboration with the Nova Tribe Association, in memory of Hapoel Tel Aviv fans Hanan Yablonka and Yonatan Samerano, of blessed memory. Hanan and Yonatan came to celebrate at the Nova festival and were murdered in the October 7 massacre. Their bodies were taken to Gaza and later returned. Their dear families attended the event and spoke during a touching ceremony.
At the conclusion of the evening, an exhibition match was held between the Nova Tribe Association team and the Hapoel Tel Aviv veterans team. The Nova team was led by Paz Amar, football team manager at the association, and coach Guy Kamin. It included survivors of the Nova party and bereaved family members. Club legends played for the veterans team.
Before the match began, a heartfelt ceremony was held in memory of Hanan Yablonka and Yonatan Samrano, devoted supporters of the club who were murdered on the Black Saturday of October 7th.
Orit, representative of the Yablonka family: "Our Hanan came to Nova to do what he always loved – to celebrate life. Hanan will forever be remembered in all of our hearts – for the goodness in him, the joy he brought, and the person he was. The pain is immense, the longing only grows – but tonight’s game is proof that life is stronger than everything, and that nothing can extinguish the spirit. Our beloved Hanan, we know you're here with us – on the field and in our hearts – spreading light and joy as you always did. We wish both teams success. May your memory be a blessing".
Sarit, representative of the Samrano family: "I want to thank Hapoel Tel Aviv, the Nova Tribe Association, and Pini Balili from the bottom of my heart. This is one of those rare games where I’m sure both sides will support each other, show unity and love – that’s the spirit of the people of Israel. Our Yonati, you are our heart, our life – and we will never forget you. Thank you all so much."
Ortal Botbika, Hapoel Tel Aviv’s Community Relations Manager: "We stand here today to honor two of Hapoel Tel Aviv’s fans – Hanan Yablonka and Yonatan Samrano, who were brutally murdered at the Nova festival on October 7. Hanan and Yonatan were not just fans – they were an inseparable part of the red family. They lived and breathed the club, followed it every season, and stood in every stadium. Their passion, love, and spirit continue to accompany us today. The match taking place this evening, between Nova survivors and Hapoel legends, is much more than just a game. It is a moment of unity, of embrace, of a clear message: we will never forget you. On behalf of the Hapoel Tel Aviv community, we send love and support to the families, friends, and all the Nova survivors. Hanan, Yonatan – always with us, in the stands, on the field, and in our hearts".
Pini Balili, Sports Relations and Partnerships Manager at the Nova Tribe Association: "There is nothing more emotional than representing Hapoel Tel Aviv and the Nova Tribe Association. Today’s match is in memory of two dear fans, with families I love and am deeply connected to. I’m sorry the match is held under such circumstances, but that’s life – we must move forward, pray for the safe return of the hostages and of our soldiers. Enjoy the match, and most importantly – bring everyone home".
The match ended with a 4:2 victory for the Nova Tribe Association team.
Thank you to everyone who attended.
May their memory be a blessing.
