Makkabi Berlin, a Jewish club founded by Holocaust survivors, is on the verge of playing in the German Cup again after their historic achievement last year. However, the excitement is tempered by fear and concerns of being targeted for the Star of David on their shirt due to increased antisemitic incidents in Berlin following the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Keeping a low profile to avoid unwelcome attention, the club members are cautious about speaking out and have limited their social media presence.
Formed in 1970 as the successor to Bar Kochba Berlin, a club banned by the Nazis, Makkabi Berlin promotes Jewish participation in sports while remaining open to players of all faiths. Non-Jewish players have gained insight into the challenges of being Jewish in Germany, especially after needing police protection to resume training and matches following the recent conflict. Some players considered leaving the club due to fears of persecution of their families back in their home countries.
The upcoming match against Viktoria Berlin in the local cup final will determine Makkabi’s ticket to the prestigious German Cup, where they previously faced Bundesliga team Wolfsburg. Despite losing the match 6-0, Makkabi’s participation highlighted their message of openness and tolerance. The club’s co-founder, Marian Wajselfisz, who survived the Holocaust thanks to a Polish couple, expressed pride in their achievements, contrasting it with the historical discrimination faced by Jews under the Nazis.
The current players, including Senegalese defender Papa Alpha Diop, have faced challenges wearing the Star of David emblem in public, particularly after the recent rise in antisemitic incidents in Berlin. Some Muslim players have faced backlash from their communities for playing for a Jewish club. Makkabi’s captain Doron Bruck emphasized the impact of the recent events on the team, with non-Jewish players experiencing police protection for the first time and questioning the seriousness of the situation.
As Makkabi gears up for the match against Viktoria Berlin, they acknowledge the underdog status but remain determined to compete. Despite the challenges faced this year, the club has persevered and will strive to earn another chance to participate in the German Cup. The upcoming match symbolizes more than just a sporting event for Makkabi Berlin, reflecting their resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
