August 14 – Makkabi Berlin, a German sports club with Jewish roots, made history on Sunday when it became the first Jewish team to compete in the German Cup – first played under the Nazis in 1935.
The part-time club, which plays in the fifth division of the German football pyramid, were beaten 6-0 by Wolfsburg – backed by car manufacturer Volkswagen – in their first-round match.
Makkabi had a goal by Kanto Fitiavana Voahariniaina ruled out for offside but the visitors would have scored more but for Makkabi goalkeeper Jack Krause.
Although Makkabi’s Jewish identity plays a central role – the team’s crest features the Star of David – the club takes pride in being open to all, regardless of religion or background.
The club was founded by Holocaust survivors in 1970 and had already laid down a marker just by qualifying for the 64-team German Cup having won the Berlin Cup for the first time.
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