Monday evening, a special exhibition match took place at the Israel National Team House in Shefayim, initiated by the Israel Football Association and Shurat HaDin, in memory of the 12 Druze children murdered on July 27, 2024, during the Iron Swords War, when a direct missile strike launched by the Hezbollah terrorist organization hit a football field in Majdal Shams.
The emotional event brought together the families of the victims and the injured, alongside legendary players from Israel's national team – including Omri Afek, Amir Shelah, Gili Vermouth and others – and members of the Artists' Team, such as Ben Ben Baruch, Yoseph Haddad, Amiram Tovim and others.
Children and families who traveled especially from the Golan Heights enjoyed a festive gathering that included an inflatable play area and activities. They spoke and took photos with football legends and entertainers, and joined an exhibition match in which the children themselves played on both teams. At the conclusion of the event, the children were awarded medals and certificates of recognition as symbols of resilience and the triumph of the human spirit.
The evening was made possible with the support of El Al Airlines and Mega Sport.
Shino Zuaretz, Chairman of the Israel Football Association, said: "This is a deeply moving event that symbolizes unity and hope for the future, even as we carry the pain and memory of the tragedy that took the lives of the beloved children of Majdal Shams. Football is not just a game – it is a tool that helps heal and connect people. We will continue to initiate joint activities with the Druze community in Israel, out of deep appreciation and genuine partnership. I wish to thank Shurat HaDin for its partnership in organizing this special evening."
Adv. Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, President of Shurat HaDin, said: "On this special evening, in cooperation with the Israel Football Association, we sought to bring a measure of hope to families who lost what was most dear to them. The most powerful response to terrorism is our very existence here, together. These precious children, who simply wanted to play football in their free time, suddenly found themselves under a murderous attack. My colleagues and I will continue to fight for them in every way possible, to bring justice to the victims of terror."
Shurat HaDin, which initiated the event together with the Israel Football Association, stands at the forefront of the legal and financial battle against terrorism. The organization is currently leading the legal effort on behalf of the victims of the Majdal Shams tragedy, filing a major lawsuit of approximately 100 million shekels in damages against the Hezbollah terrorist organization.