Shabi Dvir, a combat veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) linked to the October 7 war, finds solace in a weekly soccer game in Ramat Gan. Joined by fellow veterans, the group gathers every Thursday to play and connect, providing a vital support network for those coping with the psychological aftermath of combat. Dvir, recently named captain of the team, describes the activity as a lifeline, giving him purpose and a reason to engage with others after nearly a year of isolation.
This grassroots initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate veterans with PTSD into sports environments, specifically soccer stadiums, where many fear triggers that can provoke intense anxiety or attacks. The 2026-27 Israeli Premier League season, which began on August 22, saw a new collaborative project spearheaded by the Combat Diamonds Forum, the organization Brothers and Sisters in Arms, the Israeli soccer fans’ association, and the Premier League aimed at making stadiums more accessible and accommodating to veterans facing mental health challenges.
Nadav Wiersch, head of the Combat Diamonds Forum, highlighted the dilemma many veterans face in reconciling their love of sports with the risks posed to their mental health. A turning point for the initiative came during the State Cup final in May at Jerusalem’s Teddy Stadium when fans experienced distress due to loud fireworks and colored powder displays. Those affected reached out to Brothers and Sisters in Arms, which led to a meeting with representatives from Maccabi Tel Aviv, including ticket manager Avi Mizrahi, to develop practical solutions.
The resulting measures at Bloomfield Stadium include designated quiet zones on the western and eastern stands, as well as medically staffed areas situated near gates 5 and 10 to offer relief for fans in distress. The goal is to eliminate barriers that prevent veterans and others with PTSD from attending matches and enjoying the games safely.
Premier League clubs across Israel have responded by appointing dedicated liaisons to coordinate with fans experiencing PTSD. Core requests from the forum include quiet seating areas, access for service dogs, permission to use medical marijuana, entry accompanied by a guardian, exemption from queues, and advance warnings before any flashing lights or pyrotechnics.
Combatants such as Aviram Biton, a former Border Police officer, find certain stadium effects particularly challenging. “Sometimes I prefer to close my eyes and wait for it to end,” he said, referring to light displays reminiscent of his service experiences. Wiersch stressed that previous incidents required fellow fans to intervene physically to prevent harm from panic attacks, underscoring the need for formal support systems in stadiums.
Several clubs, including Maccabi Haifa, have introduced fan protection programs featuring quiet rooms staffed by trained volunteers and social workers. The training is provided by Magen David Adom, ensuring a professional response to mental health emergencies during events.
Amit, a Maccabi Tel Aviv supporter who experienced distress during the State Cup final, has become actively involved in organizing safer matchday environments. Now working as a production coordinator, he oversees pyrotechnics to minimize triggers for veterans. He emphasized that the initiative is rooted in education rather than confrontation, working with clubs to raise awareness about PTSD and create inclusive spaces.
Separately, veteran Jeremy Azoulay, a former medic turned disabled veteran living in Jerusalem, has forged similar accessibility arrangements for Hapoel Jerusalem fans at both Teddy Stadium and the adjacent Pais Arena. With his service dog Sol, Azoulay highlighted the importance of inclusion and the role of accommodations such as special ushers and pre-arranged access to ease participation for veterans. The approach allows combat veterans with PTSD to attend matches without needing to notify the club repeatedly.
Together, these efforts reflect a growing recognition within Israeli sports communities of the need to support veterans managing PTSD, granting them safer access to public events and fostering a sense of belonging beyond the battlefield.