Hapoel Beersheba Football Club players took a stand against domestic violence this week, when they took to the field wearing shirts bearing the names of the 13 women who were killed by their husbands or relatives since the beginning of the year.
The coronavirus pandemic has seen a spike in domestic violence in Israel. Five of the murdered women were Arab Israeli and overall, three of the victims were killed during the nationwide lockdown announced in mid-March in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19.
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In a show of solidarity, Hapoel Beersheba, a Premier League club, decided to honor the victims and on Tuesday, the team played against reigning state champion Maccabi Tel Aviv with their red shirts marked with a black stripe bearing the victims' names.
Fans quickly made sure news of the gesture go viral.
"As a woman, I was deeply moved by the fact you [the team] raised awareness to domestic violence like that," one fan wrote on Facebook.
Hapoel Beersheba spokeswoman Sharon Abuhatzira told Israel Hayom that the team was "overwhelmed by the response. We received dozens of messages, from the media, various activists, the public but most moving – from the [victims'] families.
"This was a club initiative, one of many that we hold throughout the season, but definitely one of the more significant ones. This time we partnered with the No2Violence association and Tadiran.
"We explained to the players the significance of the move we are making and they themselves were very moved," she continued. "Several families have already reached out to thank us, and to received the shirts. We will make sure that happens in the next few days."
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