Dignity, Remembrance, and Hope Through Sport

On Friday, January 16, 2026, during a German Bundesliga match between SV Werder Bremen and Eintracht Frankfurt, MAKKABI Germany delivered a powerful message from the heart of the football world. In a moving ceremony at the Weserstadion, the Maccabiah Honorary Award 2026 was presented to the Hersh Goldberg-Polin Circle of Friends - an organized supporters’ group whose actions reflect moral courage, civic responsibility, and a clear stand against antisemitism.

The Circle of Friends was formed in memory of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American football supporter and close friend of the Bremen fan community. Hersh was abducted during the Hamas terror attacks on October 7 and was later murdered after months of captivity in Gaza. His story resonated far beyond borders, inspiring acts of remembrance, unity, and action across clubs, countries, and fan communities.

Rooted in a long-standing friendship between supporters of SV Werder Bremen and Hapoel Jerusalem, the Circle of Friends transformed grief into meaningful engagement, creating a deeply personal connection for football fans to the fight against antisemitism and violence, and reminding us that passion for sport and respect for human dignity belong together.

The award was jointly presented by MAKKABI Germany President Alon Meyer and SV Werder Bremen President Dr. Hubertus Hess-Grunewald. Against the backdrop of a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents in Germany since October 7, the ceremony highlighted the unique role of sport in defending democratic values and solidarity.

"The Maccabiah Honorary Award recognizes people who take a stand - especially when it becomes uncomfortable", said Alon Meyer, MAKKABI Germany President. "The Hersh Circle of Friends represents humanity and responsibility from within the fan community itself. Particularly after October 7, it was crucial to see who stands up for our values and acts on them".

SV Werder Bremen President Dr. Hubertus Hess-Grunewald echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the role of sport in challenging times: “Antisemitic incidents are clearly on the rise in Germany, creating growing insecurity for many Jewish people. That makes it all the more important to state clearly: Jewish life is part of our society - and naturally also part of sport. The commitment of the Hersh Circle of Friends has strengthened our clear stance for respect, safety, and a firm opposition to antisemitism.”

Alongside the ceremony, discussions on antisemitism prevention and the social responsibility of sport took place. As part of this broader effort, MAKKABI Germany’s education program Zusammen1 also led a sensitization workshop with SV Werder Bremen’s U23 team, reinforcing the idea that real change begins with awareness and education. 

Through this award, the Maccabiah and MAKKABI Germany reaffirm a powerful message: when sport chooses courage over silence, it becomes a force for dignity, remembrance, and hope.