Maccabi U16s ‘connect with history’ at Man Utd Holocaust event contest
▶ MACCABI GB’S U16 football squad warmed up for this summer’s Maccabiah Games by accepting an invitation from Manchester United to take part in a competition during a special weekend hosted by the club to commemorate the Holocaust.
The event was the culmination of the Football Remembers the Holocaust Project, which in conjunction with the Premier League and Holocaust Education Trust, saw U14 Academy teams from United, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Brighton & Hove Albion have the opportunity to learn about the Holocaust, while also taking part in a football tournament.
Explaining how the event proved to be stimulating, insightful and moving — as well as providing them with top-class opposition, Danny Schweiger, who is joint-manager of the Maccabiah squad alongside Mark Stewart, said: “It was a privilege to be part of the event. On a number of levels the invite ticked so many boxes.
“It connected the squad with their history and their families’ links to the Holocaust, helping them understand better about how important it is to openly talk about their heritage and ultimately to be proud to be Jewish.
“It also allowed our squad to test themselves against the finest Academy kids in the country and to help us understand where we are up to from a footballing point of view in our quest for gold in Israel.”
While the teams gathered for a series of matches on the pitch, the more important action happened off it with a series of meaningful educational talks and readings about the Holocaust provided to those assembled at The Cliff, Man Utd’s training ground.
The groups heard from Holocaust survivor Harry Kessler and also Noemie Lopian, who spoke about her family’s Holocaust story. Stewart said: “Both were incredible talks with everybody listening showing the upmost most respect and dignity throughout the weekend.”
The highlight — and most poignant moment — of the weekend was undoubtedly when Mr Kessler said Kaddish for the six million Jews who perished during the Holocaust, said in front of all the players, managers, coaches and guests. Each footballer was then given a yellow candle to light in memory of a person who was murdered during the Holocaust. The underlying theme throughout the weekend — a significant and powerful one — was how the footballers had a responsibility “to pass it on”, while the ceremonies were brought to a close by Jonathan Prevezer, Chairman of Maccabi GB, who expressed his thanks to Manchester United for putting on the event.
On the pitch, the team lost their games by a small margin, though Schweiger still took plenty of positives from the matches.
“Given our squad is largely only one year older than our opposition, who are some of the most talented footballers in the country, we can be hugely satisfied with our performances”, he said. “Our experience in this tournament against elite academy pleasers will no doubt prove to be priceless.”
Commenting on being part of the programme, Wayne Cahill, Manchester United’s Education Officer, said: “We’re really proud to use the power of football, and the power of the Manchester United badge, to engage and educate our players on a range of important topics which aid their development as well-rounded young people and it’s vital that young people know what happened during the Holocaust and the dangers of unchecked hate.
“Hearing Harry’s testimony was a truly humbling experience for all of us. The story of resilience, togetherness and tolerance was extremely inspiring. Harry’s message has had a massive impact on the boys, it will live long in their memories and they will be able to share the experience with their families and friends.”
As to welcoming the Maccabiah squad for the weekend, he added: “It was brilliant to be able to host them. Our boys learned a great deal talking to their team about their experiences and they also proved fantastic competitors on the pitch. We look forward to continuing our relationship and working together again in the future.”
Reflecting on the event, Karen Pollock CBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “We were delighted to support Manchester United with their celebration of our Football Remembers the Holocaust programme. This event brought together a number of clubs we have worked with over the past four years and through our programme, the young players are able to understand why it’s so important that they, future football stars, champion the memory of the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered during the Holocaust.
“The boys have learned about the vibrancy of pre-war Jewish communities, heard first-hand from a Holocaust survivor, and have explored Britain’s own relationship with this history. This builds on the great work we have already completed with Premier League clubs, including providing guidance to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and arranging for first teams to hear Holocaust survivor testimony.
“It was fantastic to see Manchester United continue their outreach with the Jewish community, inviting special guests Maccabi GB to take part in the tournament. We look forward to continue to work together in the future.”