Yair Horn’s Emotional Return: From Hamas Captivity to Turner Stadium

For Yair Horn, a devoted Hapoel Be'er Sheva fan, his first request after being freed from 498 days of Hamas captivity was not to go home, but to fly over Turner Stadium—the sacred ground of his beloved club.

Kidnapped on October 7, 2023, Horn finally returned, and as his helicopter soared above the stadium, he found a moment of solace in the sight of the pitch where he had spent countless joyous moments.

Hapoel Be’er Sheva, recognizing his deep connection to the club, awarded him a lifetime season ticket. And when the team took the field against Ironi Tiberias, the fans ensured Horn felt their love. Banners and signs welcomed him back while also calling for the release of his brother, Eitan, who remains in captivity in Gaza.

The emotional peak of the night came when Kings Kangwa found the back of the net. The Zambian midfielder lifted his shirt to reveal a handwritten dedication: "Yair, this is for you." It was a powerful tribute, a reminder of football’s unique ability to transcend war, grief, and resilience.

Hapoel Be’er Sheva capped the night with a commanding 4-0 victory, strengthening their hold on first place. But beyond the three points, the match served as a testament to the unbreakable bond between a city, its football club, and a fan who endured the unimaginable.