Maccabi GB’s commitment to enriching British society is deeply rooted in our history and mission. Founded in the late 19th century in response to Jewish exclusion from mainstream sports, the Maccabi Movement has grown into the leading global Jewish sports organisation. Today, we aim not only to promote Jewish participation in sport but also to ensure that Jewish athletes and fans are welcomed and respected in every corner of British sporting life.
Our vision, updated in spring 2024, is for ‘a healthy, active, and proud Jewish community integrated within British society’. This principle underpins everything we do. When Maccabi GB competes internationally, we proudly wear the Magen David emblazoned with the colours of the Union Jack. This emblem represents our dual identity as proud Jews and proud Brits. Equally, I take great pride in the daily work we do to bridge divides, foster understanding, and promote a more inclusive society.
Since 7th October, the alarming rise in antisemitism in sport has become starkly evident. Football - Britain’s most popular sport - reflects this trend all too clearly; during the 2023/24 season, the FA reported 42 antisemitic incidents, a 110% increase from the previous year. Similarly, Kick It Out recorded 70 cases, up from 43 the year before—a 63% rise. CST records Antisemitic incidents reported predominantly by the Jewish Community; their figures in Grassroots football fluctuate with 4 in 2022, 19 in 2023 and 19 in 2024 (including two in basketball and tennis amateur settings). In the professional game the number of incidents reported is diminishing, with 56 in 2022, 40 in 2023 and 24 in 2024. Interpreting these figures is complex and requires a consolidation of the information gathered and deeper understanding of the issue, founded in professional research.
In response, Maccabi GB launched the Tackling Antisemitism in Sport project in November 2023, in partnership with Lord Mann, the UK Government's adviser on antisemitism. To date, this initiative has delivered over 90 workshops, engaging more than 2,500 participants—including Premier League and EFL staff, academy players, stewards, and members of the National and County FAs. The outcomes are encouraging: 92% of attendees reported a better understanding of antisemitism, 88% felt confident challenging it, and 95% recognised the importance of addressing all forms of discrimination.
This project aligns closely with the global Maccabi Movement’s mission to combat antisemitism and promote Jewish inclusion in sport. One outstanding example is the Zusammen1 programme developed by our counterparts at Makkabi Germany. Their groundbreaking approach to antisemitism education in German sport has inspired elements of our own strategy.
To further our impact, Maccabi GB collaborated with the Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR) to study antisemitism in sport. Findings from their 2024 panel revealed that 15% of British Jews attending professional sports events had experienced or witnessed antisemitism. For grassroots participants in non-Jewish settings, the figure stood at 8%, compared to just 3% in Jewish or Maccabi leagues. These figures highlight both the safe environments provided by Jewish sporting organisations and the urgent need for systemic change.
Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of advocating for the Jewish community on this critical issue. This includes providing evidence to senior political leaders such as The Rt Hon Lisa Nandy, The Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt, and Lord John Mann.
At National level, I serve on several committees, including the FA’s Antisemitism Taskforce, the Faith and Football Network, and the Kick It Out Working Group on Combating Antisemitism. The resulting manifesto called for a unified approach focusing on data collection, education, adoption of the IHRA definition, accountability, and community empowerment.
The 2025 Maccabiah Games present an exciting opportunity to further our vision. These platforms enable us to advocate for better reporting mechanisms, enhanced data sharing, and increased funding for educational initiatives.
At its heart, our strategy remains rooted in education. By partnering with national governing bodies and delivering targeted workshops, we aim to change perceptions, build alliances, and empower communities to tackle antisemitism and discrimination. As part of our efforts to bring together stakeholders in this area, 2025 will see a series of events organised by Maccabi GB, and involving National governing bodies, Jewish supporters’ groups and experts in the field of antisemitism, with the aim of coming together to develop impactful strategies to tackle anti-Jewish hate in sport.
While progress has been made, there is much work to do to ensure Jewish athletes and fans can participate in sport free from prejudice. As CEO of Maccabi GB, I remain committed to this mission. Antisemitism has no place in sport—or anywhere else. Together, we will keep pushing forward.
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