"The Book of the Century" by former Maccabi Haifa players • Veterans Chairman Oded Balosh: "This is not just a book, it's a mission"

The Maccabi Haifa Former Players Association celebrated the launch of the new historical book "The Century Book of Maccabi Haifa's Former Players" at a festive evening this weekend (Thursday, 7/30/2026), which it will soon publish. The exciting and nostalgic event, which took place at the "Stroudel" restaurant in the German colony in Haifa, was attended by the creators of the book, many former players, sports figures and many different donors for the benefit of this special project. The book will be published around the upcoming Rosh Hashanah.

They conducted the event with great grace and good taste together. Oded Belosh Chairman of the Past Players Association and one of its founders, as well as the author and editor of the book, media personality and sports journalist Barak Rom, son of The late Daniel (Shmilo) Rom Who was the legendary star and striker of Maccabi Haifa in the 60s and also starred for the Israeli national team in the World Cup games in Mexico 70. 

Many past players came and took part in the event, including: the legendary striker Zahi Armali, Moshe Selekter Currently also serves as the coach of the veterans team, Aaron (Arhel'a) Gershgorn, Motti Berger, Shlomo Bando, Abraham Moreno, Gadi Stern, Nathan Hirsch, Asi Abrahami And others.

Among the key contributors who took part in this nostalgic and moving gathering were the past goalkeepers Shlomo Shmul, Former player, defender Sagi Gonen, the glorious past player Motti Lubetzky, Shabtai Gazit, Tamir Menchel Son of the Maccabi Haifa legend, The late Avraham Menchel, the veterans group is named after him today "Maccabi Menchel Haifa", Or Rum and founder and CEO of the "Yad Ezer Haber" association in Haifa Shimon Sebag The leader in his role as honorary president of Maccabi Haifa's past veterans.

A very moving and special moment was when the legendary former player of the Greens' championship seasons Zahi Armali Met with Maccabi Haifa's oldest fan, זיגי שאולThe 94-year-old has been a fan of the team for over 90 years and still, as usual, attends the team's games at the "Sammy Ofer" Stadium in Haifa. 

Meanwhile, it should be noted that those who received the first and initial sketches of the new book last night were the donors. Jonathan Tal From "Coffee Johnny", Shabtai Gazit, Tamir Menchel Son of the Maccabi Haifa legend, The late Avraham Menchel, after whom the veterans' group is named today, andDanny Hardy, the son of the club's legendary icon, the beloved coach The late Johnny HardyWe will add that the businessman Doron Gilpaz He came up from Georgia for the conversation and spoke about his great love for the Green Haifa Club for many years. 

Also taking part in the exciting meeting and brightening up the event were many friends of the association, including the association's CEO and one of its leaders for many years. Aryeh Barzilai, the businessman Gili Barzilai, Daphne Ullman CEO and owner of the "La Capella" hotel, logistics manager Moshe Leibman, Joshua Susan, the personal security guard and the veteran security guard Reuven Frizi, The official photographer of the group Joseph (Joe) Hirsch who has accompanied the veterans group for many years, Good day dear, Sharon Cohen From the "Shani" printing press and more.

During the event, he said with great excitement, Barak Rom On the preparation of the book Nights Like Days, which is currently underway: "Writing a book, which is a kind of Wikipedia about Maccabi Haifa's past players, from the 50s, is a very complex and emotional story. Recently, I began writing, editing and documenting one of the most exciting and important projects ever undertaken around the history of the Maccabi Haifa football club. This would not have happened without the enormous assistance of Yitzhak Haberman, Maccabi Haifa's most senior historian. Special thanks to the photographers who contributed their tremendous talents to the book. Without them, the book would not be as beautiful as it is becoming. Shai Yaron Contributed from the photographer's archive Yaron Mimel, late The legendary one, in whose studio I spent entire days, back when I was a sports journalist as a teenager. Joseph Tauber, gave his blessing to use his father's photographs The late Oscar Tauber, A legendary Haifa partisan, athlete and photographer. In 3 months I completed writing the decades of the 50s, 60s and 70s and in fact half of the book is already complete and soon I will concentrate on writing the decades of the 80s and 90s. It is simply a tremendous and huge pride to engage in such an exciting work. It will be a historical, exciting and unique book, documenting all the past players of the Maccabi Haifa team for their generations, starting from the 50s of the last century and ending with the early 2000s. We will commemorate everyone who wore the green shirt and went on to play for the senior team, even if they played only one official game. I will do my best and I estimate that by the end of September 2026 everything will be ready."

During the event, the chairman of the Maccabi Haifa Former Players Association greeted those present. Oded Belosh, who was moved and said in his words: "The response so far is simply amazing and moving, the complete history book of Maccabi Haifa's past players is not just a book. This is an opportunity to give back a little to the people who for years have given us moments of happiness, pride and memories that will accompany us for life. Let's do it together, the book is supposed to sell thousands of copies, for the sake of history. For the sake of the people who built the club and for the sake of future generations who will remember, Maccabi Haifa is not just a team, it's a family. A big and huge thank you to everyone who helps us, shares and supports us."

Also the CEO of the Maccabi Haifa Former Players Association Aryeh Barzilai, greeted those present who came to take part in the meeting and said: "This book will be a book that, when you open it, you feel the "Sami Ofer" Stadium, our mythical stadium in Kiryat Eliezer, the tears, the championships, the beautiful and unforgettable moments that made us one big family. But beyond history and nostalgia, there is also a tremendous mission here. People who gave their lives for Maccabi Haifa and we must not forget them. I appeal to every Maccabi Haifa fan in the State of Israel, if Maccabi Haifa is part of your heart, do not hesitate, let us all be partners together in this important mitzvah, do not hesitate, come and take part in this special project together."

At the end of his remarks, the CEO of the Past Players Association noted and added: Aryeh Barzilai In an emotional address to the general public, he said: "The cost of one book for former players and their families and for the Green fans: 200 NIS. A book can be purchased by bank transfer to the bank account of the Maccabi Haifa Former Players Association. Discount Bank, Branch 176, Account: 134201908. All proceeds are dedicated to financial support for the club's former players, who are currently dealing with medical, financial and personal difficulties. Thank you all!"