The delegation’s trip to Israel was a significant event that brought together representatives from the world of sports and the Jewish community. They visited several key locations, including the Hostage and Missing Families Forum in Tel Aviv and Kibbutz Kfar Gaza, where they were hosted by the family of Neta Epstein, a victim of a tragic attack on October 7th.
The visit was organized by the World Jewish Congress (WJC) and the German Football League (DFL), who shared a common goal: to combat anti-Semitism and promote remembrance and education within the global sports community. The delegation aimed to inspire action and spread the message of tolerance and understanding beyond the world of sports.
The delegation expressed pride in leading this visit to Israel, emphasizing the importance of sports as a catalyst for change and a beacon of hope. With participation from both organizations, they aimed to honor and remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust while working towards combating anti-Semitism and promoting tolerance.
As part of their efforts, two sports-related initiatives were announced in conjunction with the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 tournament in Germany. “Football and Remembrance” connects Euro 2024 participants with Holocaust history, while “Soccer and Memory” uses sport as a bridge to the past. Additionally, “Sports. Audiences. Power.” exhibition explores the role of sports under National Socialism and the fight against anti-Semitism during this timeframe.
Overall, this visit underscores how important it is for individuals from all walks of life to come together in solidarity against hate speech and promote understanding among people from different backgrounds.
