Around 1,000 Jerusalemites (and Hapoel supporters from abroad) gathered on the Tayelet, The Promenade overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem as the club celebrated its 100th anniversary.

The football club’s event marked the beginning of the 2026/27 season as supporters across the club’s diverse communities gathered together for the special occasion. The Hapoel fans are the owners of Israel’s first fan-owned sports club.

As they do on matchdays, Hapoel families arrived in full force, heading straight to the children’s activity area. The men’s and women’s first-team players were also in attendance, spending an unforgettable community evening alongside the fans. Club legends from Hapoel’s glorious history dating back to the 1970s mingled with the crowd, while the club’s long-lost 1973 State Cup trophy made a special appearance after being rediscovered, giving everyone the opportunity to take photos with it.

“Being a Red in Jerusalem is a statement,” club chairman Yotam Carmon said. “It’s an identity, a perspective and a voice. It carries meaning far beyond the football pitch and very often it represents a bold alternative. We may not be the biggest club and we may not win the most, but we are the proudest of our community and there is no other one like it in the world.”

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion also addressed the gathering, “One hundred years of Hapoel Jerusalem is about much more than sport. It represents a century of history and Jerusalem identity. This club has been through everything, highs and lows, but the Jerusalem spirit has always prevailed. The Jerusalem Municipality will continue to stand by you, support you and help develop the club. Well done.”