The Reserve League Kicks Off – A New Tradition for Israel’s Reservists
- Mirit Sulema
- Apr 11
- 2 min read
Yesterday, we proudly launched The Reserve League, Israel’s first national football league dedicated entirely to IDF reservists. The festive opening event took place at Shlomo Insurance Stadium in Petach Tikvah and marked the beginning of a powerful new tradition. Participants gathered to celebrate the start of this unique project that brings together reservists from across the country for a shared experience of sport, camaraderie, and community.
Hosted by actress and activist Noa Tishby, and featuring special guest Menashe Zalka, a decorated commander and recipient of HaHalutz’s 2024 Fair Play Award, the launch event was a moving tribute to the thousands of reservists who have left behind jobs, families, and routines over the past year and a half to defend Israel. It was their turn to be recognized, celebrated, and supported.
The Reserve League is an initiative of Dror Israel, operated through its social sports division HaHalutz. This isn’t just about football, it’s about creating a new kind of community framework for Israel’s reservists. Through weekly games played by unit-based teams across the country, the league promotes physical and emotional well-being, builds camaraderie, and helps maintain the deep bonds formed during service.
With over 2,000 participants and more than 80 teams already registered, the Reserve League is quickly becoming a national movement. It provides a meaningful and healthy routine, addresses post-trauma and social disconnection, and offers a space where pride, unity, and camaraderie are front and center.
As one of the organizers put it: “This is our chance, as a society, to stop, give thanks, and give back to those who are always there when we need them. It’s football, but more than that, it’s community, it’s pride, and it’s Israel at its best.”
The Reserve League is a powerful new expression of Dror Israel’s mission to build a stronger, more connected Israeli society through education, community, and now, sport.
And this is just the beginning.
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