The 9th European Team Championship was played in Haifa, Israel, 35 years ago. There are many reasons why it was a notable landmark in history. It was the last time the unbeatable team from the Soviet Union took part. And it was the first time in over 25 years that they set foot on Israeli soil. They won Gold, but in the third round were surprised by the Greek team, consisting of five IMs and one FM. Efstratios Grivas, at the time a lowly IM, describes the match.
The current guests, most of whom are evacuees from Israel’s North and South, didn’t come for a planned, or short, stay. These hotels have now become the evacuees’ temporary homes.
From free parking to municipal shelters to business license fees being waved and volunteer efforts, here is how Israel's capital is contributing to the fight against Hamas.