The German Makkabi sports club where Muslims outnumber Jews
FRANKFURT, (Germany): When they sweat it out at a big German sports club, Jewish, Muslim and other athletes are also sending a strong signal against rising antisemitism, the head of Makkabi Frankfurt told AFP.
In Frankfurt, Germany, the Makkabi sports club exemplifies a strong stance against rising antisemitism, according to its president Alon Meyer. Established in 1965 to provide a safe space for Jewish athletes in and around Frankfurt, the club later opened its doors to all. While initially founded for Jews, Makkabi Frankfurt now boasts a majority of non-Jewish members—about 90% of the club's 90,000 members—yet all individuals affiliated with the club may face antisemitism due to the Star of David emblem worn on their jerseys.
Meyer explained that wearing the Star of David automatically marks athletes as Jewish, subjecting them to hostility despite their religious affiliation. The club's recent relocation into a new 21-million-euro complex designed by Albert Speer & Partner, founded by Albert Speer Jr., adds another layer of significance. Speer Sr. was the architect favored by Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler and served as armaments minister during World War II, but Meyers emphasized that Albert Speer Jr. has chosen a path distinct from his father's legacy.
The club's new facilities, with their bulletproof glass and CCTV, were installed in coordination with authorities to deter vandalism and serious incidents. While such incidents are rare, Meyer noted a noticeable spike in antisemitic acts following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas and the subsequent Israeli assault on Gaza. Despite this heightened tension, Meyer highlighted positive developments at Makkabi Frankfurt, where the club leverages sports as a means to foster positive ambassadors and combat antisemitism through dialogue and engagement.
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