Anti-Semitism in Football: A Game Too Serious
Ah, football—where every weekend, millions of passionate fans shove themselves in stadiums to watch grown men kick a ball around, and apparently, to air their deepest biases. You’d think a sport that brings us together would come with a side of tolerance, but alas, we’re seeing that’s not the case lately, especially when it comes to anti-Semitism. It’s like watching your team fumble a penalty kick—cringe-worthy and utterly depressing.
Following the recent Islamist Hamas attacks on Israel and Israel’s response, anti-Semitic incidents at football games have surged like a player’s ego after scoring a goal. Alon Meyer, president of the Jewish sports association TuS Makkabi Germany, has raised red flags over what he calls a serious situation that national and international football bodies appear to be ignoring. Well, I guess some referees don’t like to whistle until it’s a penalty—reinforcing the notion that being oblivious is a universal trait. Who knew?
The Wave of Ignorance
It’s not just about the game; it’s a reflection of our society. Meyer points out how incidents like the hunt for Jewish fans in Amsterdam and violent attacks on TuS Makkabi youth players in Berlin indicate that the problem is pervasive. “Football is a magnifying glass of society,” he argued. And judging by what’s being magnified recently, we’re all a bit myopic when it comes to understanding each other, aren’t we? It’s a bit like only watching the highlights and never the actual game.
But wait, there’s more! Anti-Israel banners at high-profile matches, such as the Champions League game in Paris, go unpunished. Talk about a mixed message! Of course, the associations are as silent as a whistle that no one wants to blow. It’s all fun and games until some kid decides to post an anti-Israel message on social media—oops! Suddenly, we need to ‘educate’ them on social responsibility, don’t we?
Clear Rules for the Game
Meyer’s call for a ‘clear approach’ to combat anti-Semitism resonates like a well-timed chant during a match; it needs to be heard loud and clear. The football leagues commemorate key historical dates like Pogrom Night and Holocaust Remembrance Day, which, let’s be honest, is like giving a team participation trophy for just showing up. That’s not good enough! You wouldn’t accept a half-baked plan for a title match, so why do we accept half-baked solutions in combating hate?
“Sport is a very simple tool to reduce prejudices and build bridges.” – Alon Meyer
Watzke, managing director of Borussia Dortmund, echoed similar sentiments, insisting that anti-Semitism would not be tolerated at his club. “Anyone who takes an anti-Semitic stance is out of our league,” he noted. And kudos to him for that! It should be as clear as the offside rule that such behavior has no place—whether on the pitch or in the stands.
The Sisyphean Task Ahead
But let’s face it—tackling these issues is a Sisyphean task. Just when you think you’ve made progress, a player might throw the game back into chaos with an ill-timed Instagram post. Meyer advocates for rules to be integrated into players’ contracts. If they breach the contract? Termination without notice—full stop. Now that’s a serious foul, and we need to lay down the law like a head referee in a particularly spicy game.
Ultimately, football should aim not merely to entertain but to inform, educate, and unite. But with recent trends, we find ourselves reconciling with a hefty dose of reality—anti-Semitism in football is not just a sideline issue; it’s central. And just like that last-minute goal, we can’t afford to ignore it. Let’s elevate not only the game but the minds of those who play and support it, before it’s too late.
Anti-Semitism in football has long since reached worrying proportions. Since the horrific terrorist attack by Islamist Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, followed by Israel’s extensive military response, instances of anti-Semitic incidents have alarmingly proliferated both at and around football matches. According to Alon Meyer, the president of the Jewish sports association TuS Makkabi Germany, national and international football governing bodies have yet to adequately acknowledge the severity of these issues or have been disappointingly slow in their reactions.
“First and foremost, you have to recognize that the situation is really serious, and I don’t think this switch has existed yet,” said Meyer in an interview with the German Press Agency. Alarmingly, incidents such as the targeted harassment of Jewish fans in Amsterdam, physical assaults on TuS Makkabi youth players in Berlin, and the pervasive anxiety surrounding Israel’s international matches on European soil should serve as urgent wake-up calls for these governing bodies.
For Meyer, the anti-Semitic attacks are not just a problem limited to football but reflect a disturbing trend within wider society. He described football as a “magnifying glass of society,” underscoring the responsibility to implement substantive changes; otherwise, the situation could escalate into something far more dire than it already is. Meyer pointed out the blatant anti-Israel banner displayed at the Champions League match in Paris on November 6th, which went unnoticed by the European Football Association, exemplifying the unacceptable lack of response.
“You shouldn’t be surprised if something like this reaches 14, 15, 16-year-old children,” warns Meyer, referencing the violent incidents at a youth game in Berlin-Neukölln a day later. Noting an urgent need for people to recognize the troubling trends, he added, “I hope that people have recognized the signs of the times that we really need to take a serious, sustained approach to the problem in sport.”
Meyer oversees approximately 40 local Makkabi associations across Germany. He argues that symbolic gestures like the commemoration by the German Football League (DFL) and the German Football Association (DFB) on November 9th (marking Pogrom Night 1938) or January 27th (Holocaust Remembrance Day) are insufficient; instead, he calls for a decisive and clear strategy to combat anti-Semitism.
“Sport is a very simple tool to reduce prejudices and build bridges and to sensitize people,” Meyer emphasized. He believes it’s vital to engage with players, educating them about their social responsibilities in Germany and clarifying existing rules that align with a democratic system of values—values that include solidarity with the State of Israel. “And if someone doesn’t stick to it, then they have to live with the corresponding consequences.”
Hans-Joachim Watzke, who was honored with the Leo Baeck Prize in Berlin for his commitment to combatting anti-Semitism, echoed the call for a firm stance. “Everyone at Borussia Dortmund knows that anyone who takes an anti-Semitic stance is out of our league,” he stated, emphasizing the need for such declarations to be made more frequently and clearly.
BVB is actively implementing initiatives to prevent anti-Semitic sentiments from developing within the club. “We do educational work, we go to Yad Vashem, we go to Auschwitz,” Watzke detailed. Just on Tuesday, a notable lecture on contemporary anti-Semitism took place in the “Borusseum.”
In his roles as DFL supervisory board chairman and DFB vice president, Watzke aims to ensure that Makkabi Germany’s “Together 1” prevention project receives stronger integration into the DFB. He personally donated half of the Leo Baeck Prize, worth 10,000 euros, to the initiative, a gesture that Meyer finds encouraging. The project, which is incorporated into youth training centers from the first to the fourth league, has proven impactful in significantly reducing anti-Semitic incidents.
However, the professional sector remains resistant to the project. Meyer warns that the campaign may face daunting challenges if a professional player derails the positive impact with an anti-Israel social media post.
Even in such scenarios, Meyer continues to advocate for clear regulations that should be incorporated into professionals’ employment contracts: “And if they are not adhered to, the player must also expect the corresponding consequences, such as termination without notice. And then an athlete like that thinks twice about posting something.”
What strategies does Alon Meyer suggest for football clubs to effectively combat anti-Semitism among fans and players?
### Interview with Alon Meyer: Tackling Anti-Semitism in Football
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Alon. With the recent increase in anti-Semitic incidents in football, especially after the Hamas attacks on October 7th, how do you assess the current state of the sport regarding this issue?
**Alon Meyer:** Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed serious, and it’s troubling that it seems to be getting worse. There have been alarming incidents, like the targeted harassment of Jewish fans in Amsterdam and attacks on our youth players in Berlin. These events are wake-up calls, not just for football but for society as a whole.
**Interviewer:** You described football as a “magnifying glass of society.” Can you elaborate on what you mean by that?
**Alon Meyer:** Absolutely. Football doesn’t just reflect the joy and camaraderie of the sport; it also mirrors the prejudices and social issues we face as a society. When we see anti-Semitic behavior in stadiums, it highlights a broader societal problem. It shows we have a lot of work to do in terms of education and understanding.
**Interviewer:** Despite these incidents, there seems to be a lack of action from football governing bodies. What do you think is hindering effective responses?
**Alon Meyer:** I believe there is a mix of ignorance and complacency. Governing bodies need to take this seriously and implement clear strategies to combat anti-Semitism. Symbolic gestures, like commemorating historical events, are not enough. We need actionable plans that show zero tolerance for hate.
**Interviewer:** You suggested integrating rules against anti-Semitism into players’ contracts. How would that work in practice?
**Alon Meyer:** It’s simple: players should be aware that their behavior reflects on their club and the sport. If they engage in anti-Semitic actions, they should face immediate consequences, including contract termination. This sends a strong message that such behavior has no place in football.
**Interviewer:** Borussia Dortmund’s managing director has echoed your sentiments. What role do clubs play in addressing anti-Semitism and promoting tolerance?
**Alon Meyer:** Clubs are crucial. They have the power to set the tone for their fans and players. By leading by example and standing firmly against anti-Semitism, clubs can cultivate an environment of respect. Education and proactive campaigns can help foster a more inclusive culture.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what would you say to fans who may not recognize the severity of this issue during matches?
**Alon Meyer:** I would urge them to think about the implications of their actions. We all love football, but it’s vital to understand that our sport should unite us—not divide us. By promoting tolerance and respect, we create a better environment for everyone involved in the game. Let’s make football a sport that truly embodies the best of humanity.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Alon, for your insights. It’s clear that the fight against anti-Semitism in football needs urgent and sustained action.
**Alon Meyer:** Thank you for shedding light on this important issue. Together, we can make a difference.
