Moments before kickoff on Monday night at Bloomfield Stadium, in the match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Ramat Gan, the crowd rose for an exceptional and emotional tribute. On the eve of Memorial Day for IDF fallen soldiers and victims of terror, and just before commemorating their murdered friends, players from the “Tribe of Nova” community team stepped onto the field and brought light to Bloomfield.
Football of Hope and Remembrance
“The Tribe of Nova” football team—comprising survivors of the Nova music festival and bereaved family members—entered the field carrying photos of the 16 hostages still held in Gaza. They wore shirts bearing the number 59—the total number of hostages still in Hamas captivity.
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One of the most powerful moments of the evening came during halftime. A heartfelt friendly match was held between the “Tribe of Nova” and “Hapoel Shavim,” an inclusive, rehabilitative team. In the background, Omri Sassi, one of the producers of the Nova Festival, performed the musical piece “WE WILL DANCE AGAIN” by Outsiders.
At the close of an evening filled with emotion, Hapoel Tel Aviv defeated Hapoel Ramat Gan 1–0, securing its return to the Israeli Premier League. But far beyond the final score, soccer became a vessel for memory, unity, and hope.
