When one soccer fan saw the opportunity to brighten the lives of children evacuated from the Gaza envelope and border communities, he sprung into action to organize a trip for them to travel to Hungary to watch Israel's national team compete against Romania and Switzerland.
On Wednesday evening, the Israeli national team has been slated to compete in the qualifying matches for the European Championship. Following Hamas' brutal attack on Israel on October 7th and continued aggression from both the north and south, the matches against Romania and Switzerland were moved to Hungary from Israel.
Leading the delegation is Yigal Nisell, responsible for organizing the initiative, is a proud spectator of Israeli sports. Nisell told the Jerusalem Post that when his 9-year-old son, Gavriel, expressed his interest in traveling to Hungary to support the match, Nisell asked his son if it was fair to do so since so many families had lost absolutely everything following the terror attacks.
Little Gavriel's response was simple and straightforward: "We can bring them with us!"
This immediately sent him into action. Nisell, who serves as the COO of the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), immediately began looking for sponsors and ways that he could make this dream a reality. "I didn't have a single name or phone number, and didn't even know if I could get five or ten families involved," he said.
Israeli companies ISRAIR, Fattal Hotels, PassportCard sponsor flights, hotels, and travel insurance
After reaching out to Israeli airline ISRAIR, the airline offered to foot the bill for the tickets for participants. ISRAIR then connected Nisell to Fattal Hotels in Hungary, an Israel-owned hotel brand that owns Leonardo Hotels amongst others, who also offered to cover the accommodation of all participants.
"Qualifying for the European Championship stands as a significant moment of national jubilation, particularly during these challenging times. We want to provide an opportunity for the people of Israel to unite around an event that embodies national pride and a triumph for the Blue and White," he told the Post.
What started as concern for enough interest turned into positive shock and disbelief. "Initially, there were plans of 50 children and their parents maximum. But then the interest grew, and the sponsors accepted the increase, so we put a cap on participation at 130 children and their families," Nisell said.
The families would only have two expenses out-of-pocket; they would be responsible for transportation to the airport from their housing post-evacuation - 11 different locations throughout Israel - as well as travel health insurance.
When Israeli travel insurance company PassportCard heard of this dilemma, they immediately stepped in and offered free coverage to all participants, knocking
As of game day, more than 200 families still remained on the waiting list, with 130 families from affected regions participating in the initiative.
"The children and their families who will attend the games include those who have experienced the loss of siblings or a parent in the massacre. We aim to welcome children who have endured unimaginable hardships and want them to proudly hold the Israeli flag at the stadium," he said. "Together, they will sing songs of hope, emphasizing the importance of our homeland. "
Nisell also added that participants will have the opportunity to interact with players during their practice sessions, and "engage in meaningful, uplifting dialogue and come together for a spiritual Kabbalat Shabbat celebration."
He added that this collaborative effort involves cooperation with both the Budapest Jewish community and Beit Chabad.