Sport by European Jewry prior to World War Two
In the early 1900s alongside industrialisation and
modernisation, an emphasis on sport and games became
apparent in European societies. Due to antisemitism,
many Jewish people were often excluded from sporting
groups. As a result of this discrimination against Jews,
together with a growing pride in Jewish identity, specific
Jewish sporting clubs began to emerge.
Did you know that many Jewish people
played sport before the Holocaust?
What is the Holocaust?
In 1913, the Jewish Gymnastic Organisation of the West
Austrian Region adopted the name Maccabi. The Maccabi
movement soon gained popularity and spread rapidly
through the Jewish population in Europe.
Particular sporting clubs gained recognition: gymnastics,
then soccer, swimming, field hockey and winter sports. This
was followed by boxing, athletics, fencing and others.
Why commemorate and what to say before a
moment of silence?
On Holocaust Memorial Day, Yom HaShoah, Jews
throughout the world commemorate the murder of
six million Jews by the Nazis and their collaborators during
World War Two, between 1939 and 1945. Among those who
were murdered were one and a half million children.
Even though the Holocaust ended over 70 years ago, there
are many lessons we can learn and apply to our lives today.


The Holocaust is defined as the state-sponsored mass
murder of approximately six million Jews by the Nazis and
their collaborators during World War Two.
What was life like for European Jews before the
Holocaust?

Jews have lived in Europe since the time of the Roman
Empire, two thousand years ago. During the 19th century
Jews became more integrated into European countries.
Many Jews were Orthodox but others were not observant
of religious laws and traditions. Jews generally adapted
well to the newly industrialised cities and became
tradesmen, writers, doctors, architects, merchants, lawyers
and more. By 1933, the Jewish population of Europe was
estimated to be 9.5 million people.
Remembering the Holocaust, reminds us of the
dangers of racism and prejudice because of the
devastation they can cause.
When we commemorate the Holocaust it reminds
us to treat each other fairly regardless of our
differences. These differences may be in our
physical appearance, our religious beliefs or the
country from which our family originated.
Commemorating the Holocaust reminds us to
protect our tolerant and multicultural way of life and
stand up against injustice for all people.
Melbourne became home to a very large Holocaust survivor
community after the war. So, among you today are children,
grandchildren and even great-grandchildren of Holocaust
survivors.
To commemorate this special day and remember the victims
of the Holocaust let us all stand for a moment in silence.
Never again.
What is antisemitism?
Antisemitism is a word used to describe hostility and
prejudice towards Jews. Anti-Jewish attitudes have existed
since ancient times and continues to exist today. Hostility
towards Jews was originally based on the distrust of Jewish
religious and cultural practices, which differed from nonJewish society.
Yom HaShoah is a day dedicated to
commemorating the Holocaust
Yom HaShoah: 22/23 April 2017
When World War Two began it is estimated that there were
more than 30,000 Maccabi members in various sporting
clubs across Europe. Most of these athletes were
murdered in the Holocaust.
Watch the film: https://vimeo.com/jhcmelbourne/justlikeyou