Hapoel Center Marks 100 Years of Israeli Sports Excellence at Gala
The Hapoel Center celebrated its centenary on Thursday, honoring legendary Israeli athletes and teams such as Linoy Ashram and Gal Fridman for a century of sports excellence.
Hapoel Celebrates A Century of Israeli Sports Excellence
On Thursday evening, the Hapoel Center celebrated its centenary with a festive gala honoring the athletes, coaches, and teams that have brought international pride to the country over the past hundred years. The event highlighted the figures who shaped the pinnacle of Israeli sports.
The list of athletes and coaches of the century includes decorated names from the Olympic and Paralympic arenas. These feature rhythmic gymnast and historic Tokyo gold medalist Linoy Ashram, alongside her coach Ayelet Zuzman, and windsurfer Gal Fridman, a multi-medalist who coached Tomer Revani to gold in Paris alongside sailing coach Gur Steinberg. They are joined by Paralympic taekwondo champion Asaf Yasur, national coach Yichiam Sharabi, and world champion and Paralympic rowing medalist Moran Samuel.
Historic Club Tributes and Legacy
In team sports, three clubs were recognized for historic continental achievements: Hapoel Tel Aviv football club for winning the Asian Club Championship in 1967, Hapoel Jerusalem basketball club for lifting the ULEB Cup in 2004, and Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball club for winning the EuroCup in 2024.
Winners and center management expressed deep emotion at the tribute. Ashram and Fridman noted that Hapoel has served as a supportive home promoting athletes from generation to generation, while Center Chairman Prosper Ben Hamo and CEO Kineret Tzadef emphasized the path initiated in 1926 by David Ben-Gurion and the Histadrut. Today, with roughly 350 branches nationwide, the organization remains a home for champions.
"I stood on the podium in Athens, and ever since, I see from the coach's side how the support continues from generation to generation," said a moved Gal Fridman. Linoy Ashram added: "Being chosen alongside names like Gal Fridman is a tremendous honor. I hope this choice inspires more young girls in Israel to believe they can go far."
