During the year of rehabilitation, Yuval felt himself drawing closer to Judaism. By the end of the year, he was shomer mitzvot. At a barbeque held by OneFamily, Yuval met his future wife, Sigalit, who was doing Sheirut Leumi with the organization. His connection with OneFamily has remained strong thanks to his ongoing involvement with its soccer team.
Soccer for Terror Victims
Soccer, touted as the most popular sport in Israel, is governed by the Israel Soccer Association (IFA). All of Israel’s professional soccer clubs, as well as workers leagues, semi-professional and amateur clubs are members. Ami, who played on the well-known Beitar team for ten years, and later coached an Ethiopian ethnic team, volunteered to coach OneFamily’s team. Four years ago, the team joined the league that includes teams from organizations such as Hadassah Hospital and the Bezek telephone company. Last year, having grown from seventeen to twenty members, the original team split into two.
“Sport is a form of positive release,” explains Shai Moshe, director of OneFamily’s young adult division. Of course, soccer is a lot of fun and offers the benefits of physical fitness, but more than that, the sport helps victims rebuild their self-esteem and brings them back to the person they were.” Indeed, for terror victims who suffer from depression, coming to the weekly training sessions is an anchor in a sea of agony. Friendships formed with other victims provide support, as no one understands the challenges they are facing as well as another victim. Sometimes, the jokes they share border on black humor. “As the years go by, friends of victims generally find it harder and harder to keep attending the yearly memorial services held for lost loved ones,” explains Ami. “But team members always make the effort to go to each other’s services…they know how important it is.”
As coach, Ami is in close contact with his men and sometimes morphs into a social worker of sorts. “I notice how my team members are feeling and pass along on changes so that OneFamily can offer additional support when it’s needed.” This is particularly so at the annual national league held over a weekend. After a day of playing hard, team members open up their hearts and Ami is there for them. “I was never the kind of person to hug another man,” admits Ami, “But coaching these men who are brave enough to rebuild their shattered lives has taught me how to reach out.”
“OneFamily’s team comprises bereaved and physically injured members,” explains Ami. “Yet we play against regular teams and we win,” he adds with a competitive glint in his eye. “For two years we moved up in the workers league that features teams; the third year we won second place,” he says with pride.
How does Ami cope with being drawn into the maelstrom of pain that victims of terror live with? The coach brings his heavy hand hard down against his barreled chest. “I’ve made some money in my life,” he says, “But nothing gives me the pleasure I get from being a coach. My family knows that I’ll push aside closing a contract in favor of my team. My team members have been plunged into trauma, but they come out. We see results. From the place of the deepest pain, sprout love and hope.” Ami turns to look at Yuval, “Yuval’s wife takes excellent care of him, making sure he doesn’t lift heavy things or even bend over because these actions could damage his back,” he declares with a fatherly smile. “She’s the perfect wife and the entire team benefits from her cooking skills!”
