Makkabi Berlin has denied that the Jewish sports and football club has stopped playing and training. Contrary to statements to the contrary from the umbrella organization Makkabi Germany, both are continuing to operate under increased security precautions, Makkabi Berlin made clear in a press release on Thursday (October 12, 2023). Increased security measures were also decided in coordination with the Berlin Senate.
Makkabi Berlin has denied that the Jewish sports and football club has stopped playing and training. Contrary to statements to the contrary from the umbrella organization Makkabi Germany, both are continuing to operate under increased security precautions, Makkabi Berlin made clear in a press release on Thursday. This means that Makkabi Berlin’s game in the national football cup planned for this Sunday at FSV Berolina Stralau should also take place.
The President of Makkabi Germany, Alon Meyer, had declared the day before in an interview with the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” that everything had stopped in Berlin, “Massive measures have been taken there”. Makkabi Berlin’s game in the Northeast Oberliga last Sunday at TSG Neustrelitz was canceled after Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel on Saturday.
“Team that also brings together Muslims and Jews” “absolutely wants to keep playing”
“As a multicultural team that also includes Muslims and Jews, we definitely want to keep playing and not let ourselves be defeated.”the message from the team council of the first men’s team said on behalf of the entire club: “This is the only way we can set an example for tolerance and peaceful coexistence.”
According to the club, the increased protective measures were taken at the initiative of the club management in close coordination with the Berlin Senate. Previously the board had “With a heavy heart, in order to protect all players, companions and spectators, the games scheduled for October 8, 2023 have been postponed”, explained Makkabi Berlin. The decision was based on the initially confusing situation and security concerns raised by the Berlin sports club.
Solidarities with Makkabi Berlin
Meanwhile, the upcoming cup opponent, Berolina Stralau, has already expressed solidarity with Makkabi Berlin. “At the weekend we were all looking forward to a carefree football game between our men and last year’s Berlin Cup winners and DFB Cup participants Makkabi Berlin.”it said on the homepage: “But this light-heartedness will not exist. Not after the Islamist terror of Hamas in Israel, which can also be felt here in Berlin.” And the club announced: “Let us remember the victims of terror together on the Sunday before the cup game.”