World Jewish Congress and German Football League Delegation Visit to Israel for Yom Hashoah Commemoration
The World Jewish Congress (WJC) and the German Football League (DFL) made headlines with their joint delegation’s visit to Israel to commemorate Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. The delegation, consisting of officials from the top two divisions of German football, participated in various events aimed at promoting tolerance, remembrance, and combating antisemitism.
The visit kicked off with a solemn ceremony at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, where the delegation paid their respects and deepened their understanding of the Holocaust through workshops and discussions. They also met with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Tel Aviv and visited Kibbutz Kfar Aza, a community deeply affected by historical events.
The collaboration between the WJC and the DFL underscores the power of sports in bridging communities and promoting important social causes. Tobias Kaufmann, Senior Vice President Communications of the German Football League, emphasized the role of sports in addressing the suffering of those affected by the Holocaust and standing united against hate.
Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan highlighted the significance of this year’s Holocaust Remembrance Day, especially in the face of rising global antisemitism. The participation of the German Football League and the World Jewish Congress reaffirms their commitment to honoring the six million Jewish victims and fostering tolerance.
In addition to the delegation’s visit, the WJC announced two sport-related initiatives coinciding with the UEFA EURO 2024 in Germany. The “Football and Memory” initiative aims to connect attendees with Holocaust history, while the exhibit “Sports. Crowds. Power.” at the Sports Museum in Berlin explores the role of sports under National Socialism and its contemporary relevance in combating antisemitism.
Overall, the historic visit of the German Football League delegation to Israel serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembrance, education, and solidarity in the fight against antisemitism.