TEL AVIV & MARGATE, FLA.—To give disabled Israeli athletes the warmest and most supportive experience at their games in Paris, EL AL is forming the Spirit Team—Israel’s cheerleading squad—to encourage the athletes and make them feel at home.
The Spirit Team will include Israeli and American fans to be flown to Paris as guests of EL AL, along with injured veterans of the Israel Defense Forces who fought in “Iron Swords” and are expected to become future athletes. Volunteers who work with disabled IDF veterans, influencers and members of the general public will also be selected through EL AL’s social-media campaign.
The initiative is being led by EL AL’s brand representative and international musical sensation Hanan Ben Ari. Members of the public can apply to join the Spirit Team on the EL AL website.
The ad campaign features Ben Ari’s song “Homeland.” It illustrates the importance of support and encouragement for the Jewish state during this troubled time, with both Ben Ari and EL AL highlighting the Spirit Team and ensuring that no Israeli athlete feels alone.
As part of the initiative, EL AL will donate $50,000 to the IDF Disabled Veterans Organization, including flights for dedicated delegations. The donation will support injured IDF and security forces personnel who have sacrificed their bodies and minds for the State of Israel and its citizens. The IDF Disabled Veterans Organization assists more than 52,000 injured IDF and security forces personnel and operates four rehabilitation centers in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and Beersheva, where injured veterans undergo rehabilitation through various sports activities. According to the Ministry of Defense, 9,254 IDF and security forces personnel have been injured during Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza and to date been recognized as disabled veterans.
“Our support of Israel extends well beyond transporting passengers to and from the country. EL AL is proud to support our disabled athletes at their games in Paris and ensure there is always a hometown feeling for them on the court,” said Simon Newton-Smith, EL AL’s vice president for the Americas.
To join the team, applicants must apply online and submit a 30-second video in which the candidate introduces themselves through song, dance, special talent or a personal story. They can also upload a story or REEL to Instagram and tag EL AL using @elalisrael and @elalusa. Applications should be submitted by Tuesday, July 23.
Nadav Hanin, vice president of marketing, digital and communications at EL AL, said: “We are excited to establish Israel’s only cheerleading team to support and encourage our disabled athletes in Paris. The complex atmosphere and attitude towards Israeli representatives worldwide do not allow us to remain indifferent, so we have launched an initiative to emphasize to the athletes—and to the entire world—that the people of Israel are united behind them and that they are never alone. We wish all Israeli athletes great success in the various competitions; your participation is a source of great pride for us and the entire country.”
The process will be conducted by a special committee expected to announce results at the beginning of August.
Members of the public can apply to join the Spirit Team at: https://bit.ly/3Y3ebJs.
