Athletes rightfully feel the weight of history in Berlin
The first few days in Berlin have been something of an emotional roller-coaster for many people. Wherever you look you are surrounded by Jewish memorials and memories of the Nazi regime.
At times it has been quite chilling. Many questions have been asked, with one recurring theme — how and why? And most importantly, never again. The pre-camp programme was something quite unique. It is something I will never forget.
My personal highlight was the visit to Platform 17 at Grunewald Station — standing on the isolated track where thousands of Jews made their final journey really hit home.
During an incredibly moving and poignant memorial service, it was eerie to have trains passing by behind us.
All I could picture was families being torn away from their loved ones, paying for a one-way ticket to hell. But here we were, putting on a united front.
Berlin has been awash with colour as generations of Jews from around the world in their national kits unite, and the scene of the Team Maccabi GB delegation under the Brandenburg Gate was special.
The memorial tribute ahead of the opening ceremony was also moving, even more so when it started raining — tears from heaven. But it hasn’t all been doom and gloom.
There was a great comedy moment when the British delegation marched into Waldebuhne — an outdoor arena adjacent to where Hitler had once banned Jews from participating.
A call of nature had delayed Maccabiah veteran Pete Lazard’s entrance as part of the Masters Futsal squad. Never one to miss a trick, Pete ended up behind the flag of the Georgian flagbearer — the only problem was they had no athletes.
Pete was suddenly introduced as their sole representative and he milked the occasion, receiving a standing ovation from the 15,000-strong audience.
The opening ceremony was beautifully presented, with Matisyahu and Dana International, as well as Danny Schweiger’s well-travelled drum, getting us off our feet. Nancy Glickman then lit the torch to officially open the Games. And the first couple of days have been great to watch.
The action is fierce on the pitch and usually ends in handshakes and hugs, other than one heated moment when the Argentinian juniors did not take defeat well.
Thus far, it has already been an education for the younger athletes, and the more senior members are just glad to be involved in a celebration of Jewishness.
To date, Berlin and the organisers have done themselves proud.
But I have a feeling the best is yet to come.
I was delighted for Yoav Kestenbaum when he scored two goals in the win over Italy. The Hendon United youngster has worked incredibly hard to recover from what looked like a serious injury to get fit for the competition, with round-the-clock physio.
His mum was beaming when he came off the pitch, while proud father, Lord Jonathan, took it all in his stride. Then again, as far as competition football is concerned, he’s been there, done it and bought the T-shirt. See Danny Caro’s weekend round-up at thejc.com. Email dannycaro@thejc.com and/or follow Danny on Twitter:@dcaro