"Sports help us to heal and share our story worldwide"

Kfar Aza soccer team — the Shoalim — visited Kfar Maccabiah ahead of their upcoming participation in Maccabi Masters Games in Uruguay this November, sponsored by MWU.

The team, comprised of October 7th survivors, carries stories of pain and perseverance. Ido Shamriz, the new captain, took over from his friend Idan Berman, whose brothers Gali and Ziv were kidnapped from Kfar Aza and remain in Hamas captivity. Ido himself lost his brother Alon, who was also kidnapped, managed to escape, but was tragically killed by IDF fire — together with Yotam Haim and Samer Talalka — in a case of mistaken identity.

Together with Yoni Peled, who lost his parents and brother in the attacks, Ido re-established the team. “We have been helped by many good people, embraced and given love, and we are grateful for all that this experience has given us,” he said. “Sports strengthen us, grow our bond, and help us heal. It gives us a way to bring our story to the world — to show how important it is to bring everyone home, including two of our teammates, Gali and Ziv Berman.”

At Kfar Maccabiah, the team received their new uniforms and toured the World Jewish Sports Museum. They also met with MWU officials and members of MWU Solidarity Mission to Israel — including Esteban Bluvol, President of FACCMA Argentina, who will host them during their stay in Uruguay — further strengthening ties with the global Maccabi family.

Roy Hessing, CEO of the Maccabiah, encouraged the players: '"You are going to have fun. You deserve to enjoy yourselves. Remember Gali and Ziv and all those still in captivity, but also take this opportunity to recharge, so you can return with energy to help rebuild a better country and society.”

Riki Kanterevicz, Deputy Chairman of MWU and President of Maccabi South America, added: “This delegation is so important. When Jews in the diaspora meet people like this — each with a chilling story of October 7th — it strengthens the connection between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. Since 2007, when we first attended the Pan American Maccabi Games in Argentina, the atmosphere of every event changes when the Israeli team makes its entrance.”

This November in Uruguay, the Shoalim of Kfar Aza will not only compete — they will stand as a living symbol of resilience, memory, and the deep ties that unite Israel and the Jewish people worldwide. We are so proud of you!