Yoel Alroy (Hebrew: יואל אלרואי; 1930 – 21 September 2023) was a man of many talents and a pillar of his community. Known for his achievements both in the sports arena and the political world, Alroy's life was one of service, leadership, and impact. Born in Petah Tikva, but a lifelong resident of Netanya, Alroy was a professional footballer before he transitioned into a political career, ultimately serving as the Mayor of Netanya for a decade.
Early Life: Roots in Petah Tikva and Netanya
Yoel Alroy was born in Petah Tikva in 1930. However, he moved to Netanya when he was just three weeks old. His parents operated an orchard in the city, a business that faced devastation during the 1936–1939 Arab revolt in Palestine, leaving the Alroy family in financial ruin.
Alroy attended Biyalik School, completing his education in 1947. Even during his high school years, he displayed a commitment to his community, serving in the Haganah, a Jewish paramilitary organization. Around this time, he also joined Maccabi Netanya, thus beginning his sports career.
Legal Practice and Sports Career: A Man of Many Talents
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Alroy attended the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, earning a law degree in 1954. He then opened a small law firm in Netanya and married Pnina, who would become his lifelong partner.
As a legal professional, Alroy participated in the historic Kastner trial. He maintained his commitment to public service by staying within the IDF (Israel Defense Forces), participating in the Suez Crisis, the Six-Day War, and the War of Attrition. During this period, Alroy continued to be an active athlete, playing for Maccabi Netanya.
Political Ascent: From Opposition to Mayor
Alroy ventured into politics in 1973, joining the Herut party. He was elected to the Netanya City Council in 1974. Despite the party not winning the mayoral election, Alroy became the leader of the opposition, a role he performed from 1974 to 1983.
In 1984, although he had planned to retire from politics, Alroy yielded to pressure from his supporters and ran for the Mayor of Netanya. He won the election, becoming the city's 10th mayor.
Mayoral Tenure: A Legacy of Development and Reform
Once in office, Alroy was quick to make his mark. His tenure saw the opening of new schools and the renovation of existing ones. The municipal education system under Alroy initiated extracurricular activities, provided increased educational assistance to disadvantaged populations, and directed resources to unique educational projects. During his time, a significant portion of the city's budget was earmarked for education.
Alroy was not just focused on education; he also worked on urban development. He was responsible for the construction of the new boardwalk on the beach and the renovation of Herzl Street and Tel-Hai pedestrian street. He also assisted in the construction of Sharon Mall, a privately-owned shopping center.
Later Years and Final Election Runs
Alroy won re-election in 1989, continuing his efforts in bureaucracy reform and local infrastructure development. However, he lost the mayoral race in 1993 to a candidate from the Likud party. He made another run in 1998 as an independent candidate but was not successful.
After his political career, Alroy served as the chairman of the Association for the Elderly in Netanya, also known as Hadar.
Death and Honours
Yoel Alroy passed away on September 21, 2023, at the age of 93. In the realm of sports, he had been honored with the Netanya Cup in 1953 and was the Israel State Cup runner-up in 1954.
Yoel Alroy's life was one of diverse achievements and dedicated service to his community. From his early days in the Haganah and Maccabi Netanya to his later years in the mayor's office and beyond, Alroy was a man who wore many hats—each with distinction and honor. Whether it was on the football field, in the courtroom, or in the corridors of political power, Alroy made a lasting impact. His death marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched and the community he served so well.
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