(haipo) – The Haifa sports world said goodbye today to one of the most prominent and influential figures in its history: Daniel (Danny) Esnin, former chairman of the Maccabi Haifa Association and a favorite of the city, passed away at the age of 92. Esnin, who was considered one of the oldest sports entrepreneurs in Israel, left behind an extensive legacy of public activity, sports management, and a vision that influenced generations of athletes and managers.
Esenin's coffin will be placed today (Tuesday, 7/7/26) at the Maccabi Sports Club on Bikorim Street in Haifa. The funeral will take place at 15:30 PM at the old cemetery in Hof Carmel.
Maccabi Haifa – the work of his life
Esenin, born in Haifa (1934), has been associated with the "Maccabi" movement since childhood. He joined "Young Maccabi" at the age of seven and has since accompanied the organization in a variety of roles: as an athlete, instructor, manager and chairman. In the 50s, he played for Maccabi Haifa's senior soccer team, and at the same time was involved in gymnastics, athletics and table tennis.
At the age of just 32, he was elected chairman of the Maccabi Haifa Association, a position he held for 24 consecutive years. Under his leadership, the association became an "empire of achievements," as he used to say, and reached unparalleled professional and organizational heights. When the association encountered a budget crisis, Esnin was the first in the country to initiate the transfer of the football department to private entrepreneurs, an innovative move that became a model for imitation throughout the country.
Broad public engagement
Beyond the world of sports, Esenin was also active in the public and political arena. He held senior positions in the Liberal Party and in frameworks that later led to the establishment of the Likud. Among his many public positions: Chairman of the Maccabi Haifa Association, Acting Chairman of the Maccabi Israel Management Board, Member of the Olympic Committee, Chairman of the Old Acre Development Company, and Member of the Board of Directors of numerous public and economic bodies.
In parallel with his public activities, he led a diverse professional career: as a building engineer at "Rasco", as the owner of a contracting company and a technical office, and later as a co-owner of a high-tech company.
Decorations and recognition
For his many years of contribution to Haifa and Israeli sports, Asnin has been awarded many decorations, including "Yakir Maccabi Haifa" and "Yakir Maccabi Israel." The municipal awards committee previously recommended that he be awarded the "Yakir Haifa" decoration, for his dedicated and ongoing work on behalf of the city and its residents.
A legacy of love for sports and Haifa
Esenin left behind his sister, Ariela Basevich, two daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he used to say were the source of his greatest pride. His friends and admirers speak of a man endowed with vision, determination, love of people and love of the city of Haifa, and who always acted out of a sense of mission.
Danny Esnin's death marks the end of an era in the world of local sports. His legacy will continue to accompany Maccabi Haifa and Israeli sports for many years to come.
😍I don't know; I definitely "cherish" the memory of every person who does something for the "community of people": the public/audience/residents/citizens...!!!😭
Daniel worked for the sports association - "Maccabi Haifa", and left an important "imprint" on its development🙏
* Daniel Esnin – may his memory be blessed forever…!!!
Danny Essin. True and correct what was written about Danny Zell. Pleasant and welcoming to people. Maccabi Haifa was indeed a source of pride and indeed contributed to the continuity of Maccabi members' activities in the city of Haifa. Cherishes and respects Danny. Eliyahu Hakim / Haifa