UNBROKEN

This unique exhibition placed at Kfar Maccabiah and curated by Adi Rubinstein, highlights the stories of athletes and fans affected by the October 7th attacks and the war, emphasizing the role of sports as a unifying factor that fosters resilience, healing, strength, and hope. It has already attracted a large number of visitors and garnered significant attention in the Israeli media.

The exhibition features personal items, multimedia displays, and interviews, giving visitors a unique and intimate perspective of this critical moment in history. It's divided into three chapters: The first part, “Sports on October 7,” tells the stories of several athletes and sports fans who were murdered or survived the attacks: cyclist Aya Meydan and her friend, the late rider Lior Weizmann; the late footballer Lior Assoulin and footballer Ben Benjamin who was injured during the massacre at the Nova party. There is also the story of the late Inbar Haiman, the Maccabi Haifa supporter who was kidnapped by Hamas and murdered in captivity, among the many stories. 

The second chapter describes the reaction of sports fans to the war and their calls for the return of the kidnapped. The third chapter highlights Israeli athletes' successes amidst the ongoing conflict.

 

Photo credit: Ronen Topelberg. 

Among the items on display: the bicycle of the late Lior Weizmann; the basketball shoes of Dani Abadiya with wishes for the return to health of famous actor/singer and injured IDF soldier Idan Amedi; the shoes of the late Lior Assoulin; the shirt of the late Inbar Haiman; the gold medal won by swimmer Anastasia Gorbenko on Qatari soil amidst the boos of a hostile crowd; and the gold medal won by Israeli Olympian gymnast Artem Dolgopyat at the world championships on October 7, 2023.

On October 7th, despite the horrors that unfolded, Artem competed in the World Championship, proudly representing us and winning the gold medal in the floor exercise. He chose to donate his medal to the exhibition so that Israelis and Jews worldwide can see it and take pride in both his achievement and in our people.

“One of the few things that gave hope to the Israeli people during this terrible year was sports," Rubinstein said. "Because, amazingly, this was the best year in sports that Israel has had since it was established. We had a world championship. We had a European championship. And, of course, we had the most successful Olympic Games ever. The minute that sports returned at the beginning of November, people came to the stadiums. They saw it as the best way to remember. In the stadium, they felt like they hadn’t lost their friends. They were there in tribute to them. They saw that sports were the most powerful tool of hope and a way to feel we won. Through the eyes of sports, Israel saw that the flag could rise again, and the national anthem could be heard all over the world.”

 

Photo credit: Ronen Topelberg. 

Limor Weizmann is the widow of Lior, whose story appears in the exhibition. She said her mission is to commemorate her husband through the sports he loved so much. “Lior's passion for cycling was profound. On the seventh of October, he dreamed of becoming an Ironman. He was driven by an immense love for family, his parents, me, and our son Kfir. Tragically, it was love that led to his death; he was murdered while doing what he loved the most. It's important to share this story with the world. Some people sacrificed their lives heroically, like fighters and police officers, but there were also individuals like Lior who were murdered for no wrongdoing of their own. These were people with love in their eyes and big dreams, like participating in sports, praying, and dancing. Lior was one of them. I feel it's vital to tell this story and ensure people hear about what happened that day.” 

Since October 7th, cyclist Aya Meydan said she has been riding for herself but also to commemorate those who cannot do it themselves. “Every day, I rise in the morning to do something. I do it for myself, as a victory of the spirit over the body, and for Lior, my friend. We were supposed to meet on October 7, and he was murdered. To continue his path, as he dreamt of being an Ironman, I decided that if he couldn't achieve it, I would do it for him. It's about going all the way with body and soul, empowering a strong spirit. This is also for the kidnapped—to stay strong for them and stay on the path. It's about not giving terrorism the satisfaction of success.”

 

Aya Meydan, Limor Weizmann, and Tal Brody, the former American-Israeli professional basketball player, at the exhibition opening. Photo credit: Ronen Topelberg. 

Michael Siegal, MWU President, Amir Gissin, MWU CEO, and Olympic medalist Peter Paltchik at the exhibition opening. 

This one-of-a-kind exhibition will remain at the World Jewish Sports Museum in Kfar Maccabiah until March 2025. Following that, it will travel to New York, Miami, and Geneva to expose different Jewish communities and non-Jewish audiences around the world to these stories.  

 The exhibition is also available globally as a pop-up version. It can be easily downloaded and displayed within the Jewish diaspora to those interested in sharing these important stories within their communities. For more information on bringing the exhibition to your area, please contact us at  [email protected]