He waited for the moment when Maccabi Haifa would win the championship, but about three weeks before it finally happened, the late First Sergeant Omar Tabib was killed by an anti-tank missile near the Gaza Strip border during Operation Wall Guard. The title that the Greens waved was especially dedicated to him and a year later, Neta Lavie told his story.
“Omar, I was your neighbor. You grew up in Elyakim and I at the level of the referee. We may not have known each other, but I felt close to you and your story,” wrote the captain of Maccabi Haifa. “After the disaster, I came with representatives from the club to visit your house. We entered your room and it was all green: Maccabi Haifa scarves and shirts covered the room. When your mother told us how much you loved Maccabi and how much you waited for the championship, it was hard for me to stop the tears. For myself to disappoint you. “
“Before last season’s last game, the championship game, a ceremony was held in your memory at our stadium. The fans even waved signs with your name and picture. That’s not how it should have been. You should have been there with us, cheering the team from the stands like you always did.”
“But I wanted to tell you that we succeeded: we returned the championship to Carmel. I wanted to tell you about all the tears that flowed and the celebrations that lasted at least a week. I wanted you to know that we succeeded, because this championship is first and foremost for you. from above”.
Of blessed memory.
