German Football Delegation Visits Israel to Commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day

A delegation representing the German Football League (DFL) embarked on a poignant journey to Israel to honor Holocaust Remembrance Day, marking a significant moment of solidarity and reflection. 

Organized by the World Jewish Congress (WJC), this visit underscores the pivotal role of sports in fostering tolerance and remembrance.

The delegation, comprising officials from the top tiers of German football, participated in a solemn ceremony at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. 

Amidst the hallowed grounds of Yad Vashem, they paid tribute to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, reaffirming their commitment to combatting antisemitism and promoting a culture of remembrance.

In addition to the ceremony, the delegation engaged in a workshop at Yad Vashem, deepening their understanding of the Holocaust and exploring the role of sports in promoting tolerance and remembrance. 

This immersive experience aimed to amplify the message of unity and solidarity in the face of hatred and bigotry.

Upon their arrival in Israel, the delegation met with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Tel Aviv, extending their support to those affected by acts of terrorism. They also participated in an evening rally at Hostages Square, standing in solidarity with the victims of violence and persecution.

One poignant stop on their itinerary was a visit to Kibbutz Kfar Aza in southern Israel, a community profoundly impacted by the tragedy. Hosted by the family of Netta Epstein, a young member of the local soccer team tragically killed during a Hamas attack, the delegation paid their respects and honored her memory.

The significance of this visit resonated deeply with both the WJC and the DFL, who emphasized the importance of commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day and combating antisemitism. 

A spokesperson for the WJC expressed gratitude for the opportunity to stand together in remembrance and solidarity, highlighting sports as a catalyst for change and a beacon of hope.

Tobias Kaufmann, senior vice president of the German Football League, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the football community’s united stance against hate. He underscored the timeless and crucial message of unity, especially in challenging times.

Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan lauded the delegation’s participation, emphasizing the importance of honoring the six million Jewish victims and renewing commitments to combatting antisemitism. 

Against the backdrop of recent events, the imperative of remembrance and tolerance has never been more pronounced.

In conjunction with UEFA EURO 2024 in Germany, the WJC announced two sport-related initiatives aimed at promoting remembrance and education. 

The Football and Memory initiative seeks to connect UEFA EURO 2024 attendees with the history of the Holocaust through visits to local memorials and former concentration camps. 

Additionally, a dynamic public exhibit titled “Sports. Crowds. Power.” will explore the role of sports in combating antisemitism, underscoring the relevance of this discourse in contemporary society.

As the delegation concludes their visit, their journey stands as a testament to the enduring power of sports to bridge communities, promote remembrance, and combat intolerance. 

Through their collective efforts, they have reaffirmed the solemn pledge to never forget and to strive for a world free from hatred and discrimination.

This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members