The 14th European Maccabi Games (EMG) are taking place in Berlin from 27 July until 5 August 2015. More than 2,000 Jewish athletes from 36 countries will compete in 19 sports from football to fencing to chess. To accompany the games Tamar Lewinsky and Theresia Ziehe are producing a series of portraits with interviews, introducing a new member of the German delegation from Berlin every day here on the blog. They conducted the interviews on the grounds of the TuS Maccabi in Berlin’s Grunewald where Stephan Pramme also shot the portraits.
Sarah Geldmann (25), Hockey
Sarah (25) hockey © Jewish Museum Berlin, photo: 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. → continue reading
The 14th European Maccabi Games (EMG) are taking place in Berlin from 27 July until 5 August 2015. More than 2,000 Jewish athletes from 36 countries will compete in 19 sports from football to fencing to chess. To accompany the games Tamar Lewinsky and Theresia Ziehe are producing a series of portraits with interviews, introducing a new member of the German delegation from Berlin every day here on the blog. They conducted the interviews on the grounds of the TuS Maccabi in Berlin’s Grunewald where Stephan Pramme also shot the portraits.
Ruslan Satschkow (28), fencing
Ruslan (28) fencing © Jewish Museum Berlin, photo: 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. → continue reading
The 14th European Maccabi Games (EMG) are taking place in Berlin from 27 July until 5 August 2015. More than 2,000 Jewish athletes from 36 countries will compete in 19 sports from football to fencing to chess. To accompany the games Tamar Lewinsky and Theresia Ziehe are producing a series of portraits with interviews, introducing a new member of the German delegation from Berlin every day here on the blog. They conducted the interviews on the grounds of the TuS Maccabi in Berlin’s Grunewald where Stephan Pramme also shot the portraits.
Tom Meshulam (23), futsal
Tom (23) futsal © Jewish Museum Berlin, photo: 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. → continue reading
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