In the Light of Ben Zussman and Shay Michaeli – Premier League Table Tennis Match: Hapoel Jerusalem vs. Beitar Rishon LeZion
Yesterday, a Premier League match was held at the sports hall of Yeshurun Elementary School in Rishon LeZion, between Hapoel Jerusalem, the team of Ben Zussman, may God avenge his blood, and Beitar Micha Rishon LeZion, the team of Shay Michaeli, may God avenge his blood.
This is a hall where the memory and legacy of Sergeant Shay Michaeli, may God avenge his blood, are present and honored, and therefore the very fact that the match was held there carried a meaning far deeper than a sporting competition.
Before the opening whistle, a moving ceremony was held in memory of Ben and Shay, two soldiers who fell in the Swords of Iron War. During the ceremony, Gabriel Klav spoke about Ben, his path as a player in the Jerusalem team, and his military service. Yoram Michaeli, Shay’s father, spoke about Shay in similar terms: his love of sport, his connection to the team, and the values that guided him both on the court and during his military service.
It was a moment in which sport, memory, and values came together in one place. A moment that reminds us how a sports court can be not only a place of competition, but also a place of connection, community, legacy, and continuity.
After the ceremony, the league match took place. The games were very close, played at a high level and in a respectful sporting atmosphere. In the end, Beitar Micha Rishon LeZion defeated Hapoel Jerusalem 4:2.
Thank you to everyone who took part in this special evening: the players, coaches, and the audience who came to honor, remember, and cheer.
In the light of Ben and Shay, we will continue to believe in the power of sport to connect people, instill values, and carry the path forward.
