The club marked the start of the new year with a festive gathering. Edmond Safra sent his greetings: “I wish for us all to continue the work that brings pride to our fans”
On Wednesday evening, a holiday toast was held at Bloomfield Stadium with the participation of players from both the men’s and women’s teams, the coaching staff, club management, and business partners.
Club owner Edmond Safra greeted those present in a video call: “I want to wish everyone – the players, coaches, medical staff, employees, management, business partners, and of course our dear fans – a Happy New Year. I hope we continue the important work that brings pride and joy to our supporters. My family and I are proud to be part of the red family. We long for quieter days and, of course, the return of all the hostages”.
Club CEO Guy Primor added: “There’s something special about Rosh Hashanah that makes us reflect on the past year while looking ahead to the next one. Many good things have happened here, and it’s important we keep building on them. For us, today’s Hapoel Tel Aviv strives to be competitive, community-driven, and innovative. That responsibility is with us every step we take. We work hard to be the best in what we do while remembering we’re part of a large community that looks to us every day. It’s a big responsibility, but we’re here for it, and we won’t stop. I want to thank everyone here for all you do for the club. Wishing for the safe return of the hostages and the wellbeing of the IDF soldiers – Shana Tova”.
Head coach Elyaniv Barda said: “As we begin the new year, I wish for us to break records and achieve things that will make our fans proud. Thank you all for your contributions to the club, each in your own way. Let’s pray for the hostages’ return and the success of our soldiers. Wishing us all a successful year”.
Team captain Fernand Mayembo: “This is my first year at the club, but I already feel its power and the strength of the community around it. We’ll do everything to keep bringing joy to everyone, just like we did in the last match. Shana Tova – I wish only the best for everyone, and may all the hostages return home soon. Amen!”.
Women’s team Player Ana Cheminova: “All of us in the women’s division are excited to take part in this evening and, overall, to be part of the club. We’ll give our best this season to return to where Hapoel Tel Aviv’s women’s team belongs – the Premier League. We’re confident the club will continue to support us and women’s football as it does today. Shana Tova – may we be the head and not the tail”.
Noam Idan Ben Ezra, sister of late fan Tzachi Idan z”l – murdered in Hamas captivity and recently brought to burial in Israel – presented CEO Guy Primor with the red “Bring Them Home” emblem. She told those present: “My heart, and my family’s heart, is broken – and every day it breaks a little more. But what happened here on Monday gave me joy, and that is not easy these days. For that, I say thank you. This club has become even dearer to me since October 7. Despair is not an option – we’re on a long journey to bring the hostages home. There are still 47 hostages in Gaza who must be returned – without them, our hearts cannot move on. Shana Tova, thank you all very much”.
We thank our partners, Biscotti and Kansai, for the refreshments, and the staff of Bloomfield Stadium for their warm hospitality, as always.
Shana Tova Hapoel!
