By Amy Samin
Moni Fanan, who would become one of the most recognized symbols of Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball, began his association with the team as a fan in the arena at Bloomfield and Yad Eliyahu.
As the years passed, he became known as one of the leading and most-noticed fans of the team, following them from game to game wherever they played.
His early involvement and dedication to the team caught the notice of the management of Maccabi, and in 1986 Fanan became the chairman of the board of the youth division of the Maccabi soccer team.
Along with his official position, Moni continued to support the Maccabi basketball team at every game in Yad Eliyahu, and to help the team in any way he could.
Six years later, the legendary manager of Maccabi, Shamluk Mahrovsky, chose Fanan to be his replacement.
Fanan had always been known as an unusually dedicated man.
He gave himself completely to his position and devoted most of the hours of his day to the team.
Moni was involved in every detail connected to the team, the players, the professional staff and the management.
He dealt with every problem that came up personally, with endless commitment.
Generations of Maccabi players came under his devoted care.
Whether you needed a light bulb changed in your apartment or a caring ear, Moni was always available.
That devotion and caring is what made Maccabi a household name in European basketball.
This loving care from Moni enabled the players to focus on basketball.
With the passage of the years, Moni became a member of the team’s board of directors, as one of the shareholders of the Mizrahi block of stock.
As part of his unending involvement in the management of the team, Moni was also involved in choosing the players and shaping the structure of the team.
Over the years, he accompanied the coaching staff on scouting trips, looking for potential candidates to strengthen the team.
People involved in the world of European basketball knew and respected Moni Fanan for his work, and for the legend of the manager who would do anything for his team.
At the end of the 2007/2008 season, Moni announced his retirement after 16 years as manager with the club, and dozens of years as an active supporter.
His reasons were to make more time for his business and his family.
In 2008 he was recognized for his contribution to sport in Israel, when he was awarded a prize for his lifetime’s achievements by the city of Tel Aviv.
On the 19th of October, Moni Fanan, age 63, was discovered lifeless in his home.
He leaves behind a wife and two children.
May his memory be blessed.
samintranslations@yahoo.com
