Israeli music blared from speakers on the cement floor. Special chocolates from Israel were scattered across the picnic table, beside Israeli drinks and flags.
The second annual Goals for Israel soccer tournament was more theme-oriented than before, if possible. This summer the committee branched out to include Sam Anzaroot, Lauren Betesh, Steven I. Beyda, Ralph Mizrahi, Victor Mosseri, Claire Rahmey, Eddie Rahmey and Charles Safdieh, and gave proceeds to Tzedakah U’Marpe.
Tzedakah U’Marpe is an organization founded by Joe Soffer A”H in 1971, devoted to distributing money, food and clothing to unfortunate families in Israel during the times of Rosh Hashana and Pesah. Families are handpicked, as the organization is careful with where its money goes. Tzedakah U’Marpe originated in Egypt in the early 1900s and after discovering it there, Mr. Soffer A”H started another in America upon his arrival. The foundation is also done le’iluy nishmat (for the ascent of the soul) Rabbi Shim’on Bar YoHai, Mr. Soffer’s favorite person in Jewish history.
“We are very fortunate to have our many family members sit around the table during Pesah and Rosh Hashana while our brothers and sisters are suffering and fighting for us overseas,” said Charles Safdieh, Mr. Soffer A”H’s grandson. “In addition to not having some of their members sit and celebrate the holiday joyously with them, a lot of them do not even have food on the table. It’s the least we could do for them.”
Charles said that many participants approached him and expressed how happy they were to be in the tournament, especially to help Israel. “When I was asked by some participants where the money was going to and I responded ‘Israel,’ one [person] in particular said, ‘I love when the money goes to Israel. I love playing for it and want to help the country,’” said Charles.
Similar sentiments were felt around the field. “Israel is our home,” said Steven Beyda. “All those who have taken the responsibility of holding our place while we find a way to make it back there deserve our support.”
Organizers even held a moment of silence before the final match to commemorate those who were killed in battle and soldiers who are not home for the holidays. “We have them in mind when we play and hope theyl will have a better holiday this year than in previous years,” said Charles.
Boys played soccer at the Elberon School field, and girls competed at the Deal JCC. Boys winners included Isaac Benzaken, Rafael Bildiricci, Harry Catton, Daniel Cohen, Ivan Cohen, Ally Dayon, MVP Alfred Faham and Sportsmanship award recipient Reuben Jeddah. Their second place competitors were David Cabasso, Isaac Cabasso, Elliot Djmal, Abie Hamui, Eric Hedvat, David Sasson, Louis Shamie, Eddie J. Sitt and Daniel Tobias.
It came down to the Blue and Yellow teams in the girls’ tournament. Referees Barry Crane and Moshe Sudry were forced to make tough calls. After the final game resulted in a stalemate and a shootout was held, emerging victors were Renee Chehovah, Gail Cohen, Doris Dweck, MVP Beatrice Esses, Miriam Harari, Sarah Nahem, Ilana Rahmey and Renee Steinberg of the Yellow team. Runners up consisted of Rachel Didia, Renee Didia, Raquel Ebani, Julie Esses, Danielle Flatow, Sportsmanship award recipient Barbara Harari and Linda Nissim.
Organizers were happy with the day’s success and stressed the importance of maintaining the tournament for Israel. “With players not just from Deal and Brooklyn, but also from Argentina, Panama, Brazil, South Africa, Columbia, France, England, Mexico, Canada, and let’s of course not forget Israel, the day symbolizes, if only in a small way, our dedication towards that promise we make so often to each other,” said Steven. “Le’shana haba’ah be’Yerushalayim! (Next year in Jerusalem!)”
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Send donations to: Robert Soffer
1767 E. 5th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11223
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Yvonne Harari is a graduate of Brooklyn College.
