By Sara Orlos Fernandes
In red Union jerseys, socks and traditional headgear (Kippa), the Jewish orphans from Odessa romp around with the Ironmen every week. There is a colorful sports program for them here, here they forget their worries.
School has been running online for the refugees since the beginning of the war, and sport is not one of the subjects taught here. “That’s why the program at Union is an important change for the children. It’s the highlight of the week for them,” says Jana Erdmann from the Berlin Chabad community.
Since the beginning of May, the boys have been training every Tuesday and the girls on Thursdays with junior coaches from Union. “We quickly realized that the children need free development. That’s why we offer them different types of sports and they can let off steam as they like,” says Jan Scharlowsky (34), Head of Sports Promotion.
Jan Scharlowsky is head of sports promotion and accompanies the children during their training Photo: Stefanie Herbst
The idea came about through contact between Union President Dirk Zingler and the chairman of the Berlin Chabad congregation, Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal. “When we found out that he wanted to bring the children from the Ukraine to Berlin, we offered our help. This is how the idea of a sports program came about, because what we do best here is getting children moving,” says Petra Mattuscheck (47) from Union.
Particularly popular: gymnastics over a parkour Photo: Stefanie Herbst
Gavriel (10) rolls through the hall on a skateboard Photo: Stefanie Herbst
Two boys are playing hockey while others are playing soccer on the soccer field Photo: Stefanie Herbst
For many here the favorite sport: basketball Photo: Stefanie Herbst
During the summer holidays, too, the children go to the Union soccer field twice a week. The Chabad community is also planning trips to the Gardens of the World, the Britzer Garden and a trip to Lake Balaton in Hungary.
But even this happy time is overshadowed by worries: the hotel in which the group has been staying since their arrival is returning to normal operations. 80 children, students and caregivers have to move out from August 15th and are urgently looking for a new home.
Soccer is also part of the sports programme. The Ukrainian children with Union coach Igor (51, middle) Photo: Stefanie Herbst