Dozens of policemen sent to ensure safety of German Jewish soccer team

A remarkable sight unfolded on Sunday in Berlin's Kreuzberg district, where some 45 police officers were dispatched to ensure the safety of an amateur football league match.

Just last week, all matches involving various football teams affiliated with the Jewish community in Germany's capital were postponed. This decision by Makkabi Berlin was driven not only by a desire to express solidarity with the people of Israel following a deadly attack by Hamas terrorists but also due to security concerns. The club's activities resumed over the weekend.

The scheduling of the matches coincided with increasing tensions in Europe, particularly in light of anti-Israel demonstrations. The reserve team's match, which featured a Turkish community representative as one of the players, prompted the Berlin police to deploy 45 officers to Kreuzberg.

Some 60 fans also attended the match, which took place with no incident, with Makkabi Berlin's reserve team clinching a 10-0 victory.

"I'm not surprised that there were no significant incidents today," Camil Turan, president of Anadoluspor, said. "Our motto is clear: politics, religion, and personal matters have no place on the field. Forty-five policemen? I find it entirely excessive."

Later on, the main team of Makkabi Berlin played against Berlina Strelau as part of the local cup competition. In this case, too, an increased police presence was noted, although not as pronounced as during the reserve team's match. Prior to the game, players and approximately 300 spectators observed a moment of silence.

A club with a long history

Established in 1970, Makkabi Berlin is a club deeply rooted in the Jewish community and Israeli culture. The soccer team has consistently participated in lower amateur leagues since its inception, boasting a diverse squad that includes players from various faiths, including Muslims.

Last year, Makkabi Berlin secured victory in the Berlin Cup for lower league teams, which earned them an opportunity to compete in the German Cup for the first time in their history. In August, they faced Bundesliga's Wolfsburg in the first round and were ultimately defeated 6-0.