The surprising title of Maccabi Tel Aviv: Why did it win the President's Award?
The basketball club won the prestigious award for 2026 at an emotional ceremony, but not for trophies or championships, but following extensive community activity and support for bereaved families and the families of hostages.
The Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club won the President's Award for Sport for 2026, at a ceremony held at the residence of the President of the State, Isaac Herzog. The award was presented to the club for social and community activity and for its contribution to strengthening social resilience during the complex period that Israeli society is going through.
The ceremony was held under the theme of commemoration and memory, as part of the "Team Game" project, a joint initiative of the President's Residence, the Ministry of Culture and Sport, and the "Values in Sport" association. The goal of the project is to honor sports clubs in Israel that operate beyond professional activity and promote social and community involvement.
The event was attended by, among others, Knesset member Simon Davidson, Haim Bibas, presidents of sports clubs, bereaved families, and other representatives. The chairman of Maccabi Tel Aviv, Shimon Mizrahi, addressed the importance of the activity of sports clubs in the current period, and in particular the efforts to commemorate the fallen and maintain contact with the families of the hostages.
President Isaac Herzog emphasized in his speech the role that sports clubs have taken on in recent times:
"Sports bodies have become significant circles of support for bereaved families as well as for the physically and mentally wounded. Sport is a resource that provides healing, routine, and hope, and a kind of island of sanity within a complex national reality."
The event also included a broader message to Israeli society, especially ahead of an election year. Herzog called for strengthening mutual responsibility and respect between parts of society, and reminded that even when there are sharp political disagreements, a political opponent is not an enemy. According to him, Israeli society will continue to exist together even after the election campaign ends.
The choice of Maccabi Tel Aviv also highlights a change in how success is measured in the world of sports. The award was not presented for professional achievements, titles, or victories on the court, but for social activity and contribution to the community. In doing so, sports clubs are also receiving recognition for their role as a means of strengthening ties between the public, families, and communities.
For large and influential clubs, this is also a matter of public responsibility. Popularity, resources, and the connection with broad audiences allow them to take part in activities for the benefit of society, in commemoration, and in assistance during times of crisis. In the case of Maccabi Tel Aviv, the President's Award reflects the activity intended to connect sport with the social needs of the public in Israel.
