Former Beitar Jerusalem player Shimon Charnuha, 78, passed away on Wednesday per a KAN report.
Born in Jerusalem in 1948, Charnuha was the son of Holocaust survivors from the Kharkiv region, Ukraine.
The former soccer player, the first Beitar Jerusalem member to wear the National Team uniform, played for the team from 1966 to 1969. During that time, he helped the side earn promotion to Israel’s top flight, and again suited up for Beitar from 1971 to 1973.
While playing for Maccabi Netanya in 1970-71, Charnuha won his only league championship.
After his retirement, Charnuha continued his time with Beitar Jerusalem by coaching its youth team.
KAN cited the football club, which paid tribute to Charnuha following his death.
“For years, Charnuha was one of the pillars of Beitar Jerusalem’s defense,” it said. “He was known as an uncompromising fighter, a tough defender and a leader on the pitch, one who never gave up in any fight and became one of the most beloved and respected players by the Jerusalem crowd.”
Club owner Barak Abramov described Charnuha as “a symbol for every Beitar fan,” who “wore the Beitar emblem with great pride,” according to an X/Twitter post by the club on Wednesday.
“I share in the family’s grief over the loss, and of course we will ensure to honor him before our home crowd,” he said.
Former player: 'Every player on the team loved him'
The report further cited former team player Aviram Brokhian, who trained under Charnuha and eulogized him.
“He was always a listening ear, knew how to give combative advice to the team,” said Brokhian. “Every player on the team loved him.”
“There was a consensus regarding the respect towards him,” continued Brokhian. “He demanded and also gave of himself in equal measure.”