“For Me, Judaism Means Family”

Berlin Athletes at the 2015 European Maccabi Games in Berlin

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Daliah, why are you taking part in the European Maccabi Games?

I’m here because sports are an extremely important part of my life, and, of course, I want to experience this event in Berlin; it’s an opportunity not to be missed. However, I thought twice about it because I’ve already run a half-marathon this year, and that was enough. Yet it’s really nice to run together with family.

What’s required to participate in these Games?

First of all, you have to show you’re Jewish with your birth certificate and those of your family, as far as I can recall. If it were up to me, I’d also let people in who somehow feel connected to the religion. I think it’s unfortunate that some aren’t allowed to be part because they aren’t Jewish on paper, but feel Jewish or were raised Jewish, even if their mother isn’t.

What does Judaism mean to you personally?

Personally, Judaism is very much about family to me. It’s about sticking together, sense of belonging, hope, going together to synagogue, a lot of food, wine and challah. That’s how I’d define Judaism.

Daliah Hoffmann (24), half-marathon

Photo: Jewish Museum Berlin; Stephan Pramme

Alex, why are you participating in the European Maccabi Games?

The first time I went to a Maccabi training course, I got a little closer to my own identity. I grew up in Goslar, a small town where we were the only Jewish family. That’s why the Maccabi program offered a kind of self-discovery, and I found something like a new family there: there was a lot of Russian spoken, which especially gave me a feeling of home because I can’t travel to Russia anymore. (I have duel citizenship so I could be drafted into military service there.) And of course the competition played a role since I was very achievement-minded at the time.

The EMG are taking place in part at a place heavy with symbolism: the Olympic grounds that were erected for the 1936 games, from which Jewish athletes were barred. Does it have a special significance for you that the EMG are happening in Berlin and in particular at the Olympic stadium?

I’m very happy to be here. Germany’s history does make it a symbolically very important event: Jews from all over Europe as well as other continents are meeting together here and playing sports in a Nazi building. I find this message pretty powerful. That the Olympic grounds were a “forbidden playground” for us but now we can really run riot over them. (He laughs.) I don’t want to say that I’m tired of it but I do think we don’t always have to look backwards and ask how that all happened. We are a new generation and don’t want to be continually confronted with the past. Of course I know that Maccabi was founded as a Zionist organization. I don’t appreciate that the international Maccabi Games, every four years in Israel, feature propaganda for Israel and for immigration. Nonetheless, it’s really great that they’re taking place here in Berlin.

What does Judaism mean for you personally?

For me Judaism is simply ancestry, family. My grandfather was Orthodox, but my parents aren’t religious and left it to us to decide how we want to live. So for me it is information, nothing more or less.

Alex (25), table tennis

Photo: Jewish Museum Berlin; Stephan Pramme

Ben, what role does it play for you that a part of the European Maccabi Games will be held at Berlin’s 1936 Olympic park?

On the one hand, it’s very special for me as an athlete, because the Olympic compound offers us a completely professional setting. On the other hand, it gives me a queasy feeling. The architecture of the Olympic Stadium always leaves me a little bit awestruck. For me, it’s not simply a “wonderful setting” though, because the stadium always reminds one of the history. So it’s not that simple to participate in an athletic event there with ease, joy, and pleasure. For me personally, it’s important to think about the people who weren’t allowed to take part back then. But I still find it good that the Maccabi Games are happening there. It shows that life must go on: we know exactly what happened there, but we keep going, we take part in a sporting event – despite this history – and we show that the future will be an open one.

What requirements must one fulfill – aside from athletics – in order to participate?

There’s absolutely no obligation to live a strict Jewish life according to all the rules. No one checks whether you eat kosher or keep the Sabbath, but you need to be a member of a Jewish community. Everything else is a personal issue. Religion is always a part of it, but the most important thing is athletics. It’s nice to have the opportunity at a sporting event in another country to get to know Jewish life there. Only then does religion come into the foreground.

Is there a typically Jewish sport?

A typically Jewish sport? Sure, you could start with clichées… If I think about my grandparents, then I’d say bridge. But actually, there’s no Jewish sport because sports are sports, and religion is religion.

Ben Lesegeld (28), soccer

Photo: Jewish Museum Berlin; Stephan Pramme

What meaning do you feel it has, that the European Maccabi Games are taking place in Berlin, and in particular at the Olympic Stadium? It’s a place of symbolic importance since Jewish athletes weren’t allowed to participate in the 1936 Olympics…

To be honest, for me it’s nothing special. I’ve lived in Berlin for more than 50 years, and it’s normal to me that Jews come to Berlin or undertake some project in Berlin. Even the place – the Olympic Stadium – isn’t extraordinary to me. I often participate in competitive events in Berlin, for instance in the 25-kilometer race, and we always finish at the Olympic Stadium. It’s not a new feeling for me. I think it’s nice that we can do this here. But I’m not drawing the big arc back to 1936, although I am of course aware of the historical significance.

And being part of the German delegation – what role does that play for you?

I’m a bit ambivalent: on the one hand, it’s nice to be part of the German delegation. It’s an experience of community, we speak a common language, and we know each other. On the other hand, this way I’m representing Germany, which makes up only part of my identity. I was born in Israel, and I feel most closely bound to my home country.

What does Judaism mean to you personally?

Judaism is an essential part of my identity even though I’m not really religious. Judaism is more than a religion for me: it’s a culture, it’s a way of having togetherness, it’s a kind of approach to life – and that’s all very important to me. It’s about roots, it’s community, and I’m part of this community.

Dr. Alon Padovicz (60), half-marathon

Photo: Jewish Museum Berlin; Stephan Pramme

Rebecca, what’s your feeling about the fact that a part of the European Maccabi Games will take place at Berlin’s Olympic park?

It might be disconcerting for outsiders to learn that we specifically wanted to compete at this place. There were many other possibilities: Berlin has a lot of sports facilities. But from the historical perspective it was important to show that Jewish athletics and Jewish life here in Germany were not obliterated – they’re blossoming anew. From the beginning we had the mentality of ‘Now more than ever.’ We thought, if we hold the EMG here, then we’re going to counter the Third Reich architecture of the Olympic park with our Maccabi Games.

What role does it play for you, to be part of the German delegation?

I couldn’t imagine competing for any other country. I was born here. My grandmother was a native Berliner. She was persecuted and still came back because Berlin is her home. I’m Jewish but I’m also German, so it goes without saying.

What does Judaism mean to you personally?

Firstly, Judaism is my faith. My faith and the tradition I was raised in, my identity. My children go to a Jewish school, and they went to a Jewish nursery school. Judaism is a formative part of my identity, quite aside from sports.

Rebecca Kowalski (32), hockey

Photo: Jewish Museum Berlin; Stephan Pramme

Leonid, why are you participating in the European Maccabi Games?

The games are really fun. I see friends from other cities, and I’m also learning because there are two grand masters here as coaches. They’re teaching me a lot. And of course I’m proud to get to take part in a European championship.

Jewish athletes were barred from the 1936 Olympics. Does that play a role for you, considering that some of the competitions this year are taking place at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium?

That’s hard to explain. Germany tries to deal with its past but at the same time, it’s not possible to make amends for what happened. I think it’s a good thing that such a large Jewish Olympics is taking place in Berlin, in Germany. It’s like a memorial for the Jews who died. I find it important that what happened to Jews in the Second World War and even earlier is never forgotten.

What does Judaism mean to you personally?

I’m not particularly religious, and when someone asks me where I come from, I always say first that I’m Russian. Then, if I’m also asked about my religion, I say I’m Jewish. Even though there’s still a lot of anti-Semitism.

Leonid Sawlin (16), chess

Photo: Jewish Museum Berlin; Stephan Pramme

Daniel, what does it mean to you that the European Maccabi Games are taking place this year not only in Berlin but on the grounds built for the 1936 Olympics?

It’s a really nice feeling to demonstrate that Jews still live in Germany – and live active lives that they can show outwardly. That’s important and beneficial. And being in the Olympic Stadium is also a wonderful thing – out on the field in front of the enormous bleachers. It’s really something special, in addition to the historical aspect. It’s simply overwhelming, every time. It certainly makes it easier that the games are happening in my hometown. (He laughs.) I can sleep at home and go straight from there to the tournaments. Though I would have also participated, had they taken place somewhere else. And I hope to join in the next Maccabi Games in Israel.

What role does Judaism play for you personally?

That has changed in recent years. I’m Jewish by birth but I don’t live in a traditional Jewish way. That’s partly because my environment has changed. When your parents are no longer alive you don’t feel such a strong sense of obligation.

Is there a typical Jewish sport?

Thinking, of course. (He laughs.) Other than that, there’s nothing typically Jewish. Likewise about typically German. I do think thinking really is the Jewish sport, if you could characterize it as that.

Dr. Daniel Hoffmann (54), half-marathon

Photo: Jewish Museum Berlin; Stephan Pramme

Katharina, what does it mean to you that the European Maccabi Games are taking place in Berlin?

This is a real happening! When we heard two years ago that the Maccabi Games would come to Berlin, of course there was a lot of excitement. I had hoped that we would do the opening ceremony at the Brandenburg Gate, but unfortunately it didn’t work out. Still, getting to participate at the Olympic Stadium is fantastic. And I’m very happy that my parents can make it here this time. Because when the Games take place in other countries, your friends and family generally don’t come.

What role does representing Germany in these Games play for you?

I’m proud to be German, and I’m also proud to be a German Jew. I’ve lived in a number of other countries where I was often asked, as a Jew, how can you live in Germany? With the Maccabi Games in Berlin we can show that we’re still here. There are still Jews here, and the Nazis didn’t succeed. Exactly for that reason I think more German Jews should be open about the fact that they’re Jewish.

What’s your personal definition of Judaism?

For me it’s my faith. I’m a believer, and when I go to synagogue, regardless of where it is, I have the feeling that I’m home. You feel secure, you know where you are, and that’s very important to me. I come from a family that doesn’t practice the Jewish religion at all, though, because neither my mother nor her mother experienced that. My father isn’t Jewish so we always celebrated Christmas.

Katharina Goos (39), hockey

Photo: Jewish Museum Berlin; Stephan Pramme

Alec, why are you taking part in the European Maccabi Games?

It’s a terrific athletic event where you can meet a lot of interesting people from many different countries. By now there’s also a familial atmosphere in the German delegation so it’s just really nice to have the opportunity to participate. And of course it makes you and your family proud.

In 1936, Jewish athletes weren’t permitted to participate in the Olympic Games. Does the fact that some of the competitive events will take place in Berlin’s Olympic grounds – which were built for that Olympics – play a personal role for you?

There is an ambivalence because of course I know the history of this stadium. But in the meantime I associate it with other events: for instance, it’s the place where Hertha BSC (Berlin’s soccer team) plays, and to me, that’s a very multi-cultural club featuring players from various religious backgrounds. The stadium was built back then but today it stands for multi-cultural athletic events. I’m glad that the EMG is happening there. It underscores the fact that times have changed, that we’ve all advanced, and that Germany has become a very modern and open country.

What does it mean to you, to compete for the German delegation?

I grew up in Germany, in West-Berlin with many Jewish friends. I never had the feeling that we weren’t welcome here. After I joined the German delegation, I noticed at the first tournament that the other countries accepted us and looked forward to the event. Of course, they would ask us how it is to live in Germany. Most of them have very positive associations though. We represent Germany as Jews. That is some message!

Alec-Ilya Pivalov (28), soccer

Photo: Jewish Museum Berlin; Stephan Pramme

Tom, was does it mean to you that the European Maccabi Games are coming for the first time to Berlin?

For me personally, it’s very special. It’s a ‘home game’ because I’m from Berlin. I grew up here and celebrated my bar mitzvah here. Now more than 2,000 athletes will travel here from around the world. It’s going to be a great experience. I think it’s time that, after Vienna and Rome, this event happens in Berlin. One doesn’t always need to put the past in the foreground – it’s important to look forward.

What are the requirements for participation in the EMG?

You have to be good at your sport and make it onto the team. We’ve known each other on the futsal team for a number of years already, and we all get along well. Aside from athletics, it’s about enjoying the experience and having fun. You have to be Jewish, of course, and prove it. But you don’t have to be a member of a Jewish community or of a Maccabi sports club.

Is there a typically Jewish sport?

A typically Jewish sport? Hard to say. Jews excel at all kinds of sports: here in Germany, particularly at chess and swimming. But I couldn’t say that one sport is typically Jewish.

Tom Meshulam (23), futsal

Photo: Jewish Museum Berlin; Stephan Pramme

Ruslan, why are you participating in the European Maccabi Games?

I grew up in Rostock and was active there in a fencing club. My trainer has a Jewish background, and he had been a very good and active fencer in Ukraine. Then he opened a fencing club in Rostock and got involved with youth. At some point, he got us onto the idea of being part of the Maccabiah. My first was in Rome, and we did pretty well. Then it was Israel – my first time there. I’ve been part of the Maccabiah ever since.

Part of the competition will take place on the 1936 Olympic Grounds…

The Olympic Stadium is a very symbolic place – both very negative but also very positive. For example, the Champions League Final was there this year. Obviously, a new stadium wouldn’t be built for the Maccabiah, and the Olympic Stadium meets the needs of the athletes and the games. Many don’t even think of its particular history anymore. Newspapers make note of it, or we get asked about it in interviews, but it’s the best place in Berlin for such a large sporting event to take place.

What do you think is a typical Jewish sport?

I’d say chess has a strong connection to Judaism. Bridge is also typically Jewish. So chess and bridge.

Ruslan Satschkow (28), fencing

Photo: Jewish Museum Berlin; Stephan Pramme

Sarah, what meaning does it hold for you that the European Maccabi Games are taking place in Berlin?

The symbolism is intense, I think. We represent Jewish life in Germany, and, as hosts, we can show other nations that there aren’t just a few of us in Germany, as some may think. There is Jewish life here, and Berlin has become a hotspot for Israelis. Even if some had concerns, it’ll for sure be a great event.

Jewish athletes were barred from the 1936 Olympics. Now this is exactly where most of the European Maccabi Games are taking place. What do you think about that?

Of course, it has a huge historical meaning. There are survivors who are with us, and I’m proud we can show them we’re here again. We’re writing history while at the same time starting a new history with modern Judaism and new life in Germany. When everything goes well, it’s a strong symbol against anti-Semitism. Just a year ago, I had to face demonstrations that had unpleasant elements. That’s exactly why I think it’s important we show we are living here like everyone else. I’ve never been to the Olympic Stadium, but I think it’ll be strange being there. I live in Germany and know what happened here. However to really stand there will be an emotional moment.

What role does Judaism play for you?

On one hand, there’s the religion with its holidays, living with Jewish faith and family. On the other hand, there’s life outside the synagogue. To me, it means belonging to a community no matter where you are in the world. There’s an immediate connection when you go to a community event or come to an organization, welcomed with open arms.

Sarah Geldmann (25), Hockey

Photo: Jewish Museum Berlin; Stephan Pramme

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