There are days when, even when the hall is loud, the heart expands.

There was no quiet there. The hall was filled with energy, cheers, genuine excitement, and a strong desire to take part in the tournament in memory of Shay. This year, for the second consecutive time, the table tennis tournament was held in memory of Sergeant Shay Michaeli, and it was clear that this has already become a tradition with heart.

This is not just a tournament. It is an educational statement. It is a choice to continue. To commemorate through action. To connect sport with values.

From the bottom of our hearts, a great thank you to the staff of Na’amat High School and College for their commitment to continue this year as well. Thank you for the trust, the partnership, and the understanding that sport is a meaningful educational tool.

And a special, deep, and personal thank you to Amit Melamed, the sports teacher and social involvement coordinator at Na’amat High School in Rishon LeZion. Amit, who knows Shay and the family personally, did not settle for technically organizing a tournament. He chose to turn it into an educational mission. His desire to instill Shay’s values in his students, to make the memory a living part of the school culture, is felt in every detail. This is a choice of the heart. This is true educational leadership.

Shay, an Israeli hero, fell in the Swords of Iron war on April 4, 2024, at just 19 and a half years old. Table tennis was part of his daily life until his enlistment in the army. A game that demands focus, self control, responsibility, and respect. Values that do not remain on the table, but continue with a person everywhere.

Not only the result. The way as well.

In the opening remarks, the focus was on meaning. On the way one behaves after a close point. On choosing respect even when the match is tight and the heartbeat is high.

Yoram Michaeli, Shay’s father, shared what it feels like to witness a tournament held in Shay’s memory and the deep meaning behind it.

The matches themselves

The ball moved quickly from side to side, the audience reacted enthusiastically, and the energy in the hall was contagious. The tournament was divided into groups and then into knockout brackets:

The winner of the first bracket was Harel Kanti.

The winner of the second bracket was Eden Maman.

Everyone demonstrated high ability, focus, and determination throughout.

Toward the end of the tournament, the traditional carousel match was played with the participation of most of the competitors.

The Values Cups in Shay’s Memory

Beyond the victories at the table, Values Cups were awarded to players who stood out in their conduct. This was part of the "In Shay’s Light" initiative, which began within the Shekama program of the Hive organization and continues in full strength toward promoting sport and values, as well as within the ShaySport initiative, through the new software that managed the Shay Rating and the table tennis tournament itself:

Leadership and Personal Example: Haim Kramzin

Perseverance and Determination: Oshri Ohayon

Sportsmanship: David Astinov

These are the moments that remind us why this tournament is so important. Because true victory is measured in character as well.

Thank you. Truly, thank you.

Thank you to Amit Melamed for his big heart and sense of mission. Thank you to the Na’amat staff, the organizers, to Gilad Eshel, to Ovadia, Director of Volunteering in the Welfare Department of the Rishon LeZion Municipality, and to the students who chose to participate not only to win, but to be part of something deep and meaningful.

It was a day of energy, education, and values. Another step on the path that continues to spread Shay’s light.