Abstract
7 October 2023, marked a significant shift in Israeli football’s commemoration practices. Previously focused on honouring prominent figures by naming sports facilities, these practices have evolved following the Hamas massacres and the Israeli response in Gaza. Football fans who were killed or kidnapped have become central to memorials, as can be seen in the cases of Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Netanya, the two clubs discussed in this article. However, these commemorations have also sparked tensions, fuelled by club rivalries and occasional racist outbursts. While expressing genuine grief, clubs use collective mourning to bolster their morale and patriotic image and reinforce a sense of belonging.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Israel Affairs |
DOIs | |
State | Accepted/In press - 2024 |
Keywords
- Football
- Israel-Hamas war
- Maccabi Haifa
- Maccabi Netanya
- commemoration practices
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Cultural Studies
- History
- Political Science and International Relations