taz.de
Superjuden" Exhibit Connects Past Antisemitism in German Football to Present-Day Solidarity
The "Superjuden" exhibit at Rendsburg's Jewish Museum explores the history of Jewish involvement in Northern German football, from the exclusion of Jewish players before 1933 to contemporary fan solidarity following the Hamas attack on Israeli football fan Hersh Goldberg-Polin.
- What is the central theme of the "Superjuden" exhibit, and how does it connect historical events with current issues?
- The "Superjuden" exhibit at the Jewish Museum Rendsburg showcases the historical presence and impact of Jewish individuals in Northern German football clubs like Werder Bremen, HSV, St. Pauli, and Holstein Kiel, highlighting both positive contributions and the persecution faced by Jewish players before and during the Nazi era. The exhibit includes personal stories, such as that of Walter Wächter, a talented HSV player forced to leave the club due to antisemitism, who later fled to Sweden.
- What are the potential long-term impacts of this exhibition on public awareness of the history of antisemitism in German football and its lasting consequences?
- The exhibit's juxtaposition of historical antisemitism in German football with contemporary displays of solidarity highlights the enduring relevance of combating prejudice. The inclusion of stories like Walter Wächter's and the response to Goldberg-Polin's death demonstrates the museum's commitment to fostering dialogue about historical injustices and promoting tolerance. This approach is likely to generate further discussions about remembrance, reconciliation, and the role of sports in social change.
- How did the response of various Northern German football clubs to the exhibition reflect their awareness and engagement with their own historical roles in relation to Jewish individuals and antisemitism?
- The exhibition connects historical antisemitism within German football to current events, specifically the Hamas attack and kidnapping of Israeli football fan Hersh Goldberg-Polin. The display of solidarity from German football fans, initially with "Let Hersh Free!" banners and later "Rest in Peace, Hersh!" banners, underscores the ongoing relevance of the exhibit's themes. This connects past discrimination against Jewish athletes with present-day expressions of support for the Israeli community.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the persecution of Jewish players and fans in German football during the Nazi era and their subsequent resilience. This emphasis, while important, may unintentionally overshadow other forms of discrimination within football and create a narrative that focuses predominantly on the victimhood of Jewish individuals. The headline itself, referencing the exhibition title "Superjuden," could be seen as emphasizing a potentially controversial term while not adequately addressing its nuances. The inclusion of the Hersh Goldberg-Polin story creates a contemporary connection but may overshadow the focus on historical context for some readers.
Language Bias
The article uses the term "Superjuden," which, while the title of the exhibition, carries a potentially controversial connotation depending on the context. It's used without explicitly addressing its multiple meanings. The article generally maintains a neutral tone, but the chosen examples and emphasis could subtly influence readers' perceptions. For example, using phrases like 'uncomfortable' instead of more objective terms might affect interpretation.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the history of Jewish players and fans in German football clubs, particularly during the Nazi era. While it mentions the current situation with Hersh Goldberg-Polin, the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on football fans is largely omitted. The article also doesn't explore potential antisemitic incidents within other football clubs, limiting its scope to specific examples. This omission, while possibly due to space constraints, risks presenting an incomplete picture of antisemitism in football.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't explicitly present false dichotomies, but the framing of certain clubs as "Jewish" versus "non-Jewish" risks oversimplifying the complexities of religious and ethnic identity within fan bases. The narrative implicitly suggests a binary opposition between those who support the clubs for their association with Jewish history and those who do not, neglecting the many other reasons for team support.
Gender Bias
The article does not exhibit overt gender bias in its language or representation. While it mentions both male and female individuals, there is a notable focus on the experiences of male players and fans. However, this likely reflects the historical context and available sources rather than a deliberate exclusion of female perspectives.
Sustainable Development Goals
The exhibition "Superjuden" highlights the historical discrimination of Jewish players in German football clubs, promoting reflection on past injustices and fostering a more inclusive environment. The exhibition also showcases examples of reconciliation and remembrance, such as the HSV's acknowledgment of its past and the commemoration of Kurt Landauer. By bringing attention to these issues, the exhibition contributes to reducing inequality and promoting social justice within the sporting world.