The big day of Izzy Shretzky Arrived, when at this time, on the eve of Independence Day, the state ceremony was held and the Israel Prizes were awarded. As announced about a month ago, Shretzky won the Israel Prize in the field of Lifetime Achievement after being selected by the committee in charge. The ceremony was held at this time, in the presence of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, President Yitzhak Herzog and Education Minister Yifat Shasha Bitton.
Sheretsky’s contribution to Israeli football in general and football in the periphery in particular began in 1987, when he managed the youth department of Maccabi Tel Aviv for a year. In the late 1990s, he began investing in community institutions in Kiryat Shmona, which then suffered from Katyusha fire, and over time began investing in the Kiryat Shmona football team, which was a union between Maccabi KS and Hapoel KS.
Kiryat Shmona has qualified for two leagues in three years, starting in 2003/04 it played for the first time in the national league and in 2007/08 made its debut in the Premier League where it finished in third place. After one season in the National League, the Blues returned to the Premier League in 2010/11 and a season later won the historic championship.
During Sheretzky’s tenure as owner, Kiryat Shmona won one championship, one trophy, two Toto Cup wins and the title of Champion of Champions. In addition, the team played once in the European home stage – the Europa League in 2012/13 – then was in a house that includes Atletico Madrid, Victoria Plzen and the Portuguese academy. Shretzky wins the Lifetime Achievement Award for his great contribution to the city of Kiryat Shmona – and to the entire northern region.
