Haifa Connection: Maccabi Tel Aviv Honors Holocaust Legacy
The yellow uniform of Maccabi Tel Aviv serves as a powerful symbol of the team's connection to the Holocaust and the Jewish community, and players like Rafi Menco are ensuring that the legacy of Holocaust survivors like his grandparents continues to be honored and remembered, promoting a culture of remembrance and solidarity.
Rafi Menco, a forward for Maccabi Tel Aviv, carries the legacy of his family's Holocaust history into every game, symbolized by the yellow color in the team's uniform, a symbol of solidarity with the Jews of Europe during the Holocaust.
Rafi's grandparents, Dave and Bela, were Holocaust survivors from the Netherlands, where they lived with their six children. The family's story is one of resilience and strength, as they were forced to wear the yellow Star of David, move to the Jewish quarter, and eventually go into hiding. Bela was forced to live in a space under the living room floor for three years, while Dave was caught stealing identity cards and managed to escape through a bathroom window.
Rafi believes it is essential to learn from the Holocaust era and take lessons that apply today, emphasizing the importance of remembering and understanding the magnitude of the event. He is proud to carry his family's legacy forward and sees the yellow uniform of Maccabi Tel Aviv as a reminder of the club's connection to the Holocaust and his family's history. The team is honoring the memories of its fans who fell in action during Israel's wars or were murdered in acts of terror, with players sharing personal stories of fans who had a strong connection with the club.
By remembering the Holocaust and honoring the memories of those who were affected, Maccabi Tel Aviv FC and players like Rafi Menco are working to build a better future and prevent similar atrocities from happening again. The team's efforts serve as a testament to the importance of learning from the past and the power of solidarity and remembrance.