The London-based Chelsea Football Club is one team trying to combat antisemitism and encourage Jewish fandom. The day before Rosh Hashanah, the club announced a new fan-driven Jewish Supporters Group that celebrates Jewish heritage and identity. The fan group and the club will collaborate, they stated.
“We are looking forward to welcoming new members to the group and are hopeful we can provide a voice for Jewish fans all over the world,” stated Stephen Nelken, founder of the fan group.
Lord Daniel Finkelstein, who directs the club, is Jewish.
“Football and faith bring people together, and we are excited to provide a forum for our Jewish supporters to connect and celebrate their religion and culture together,” he said.
The new Jewish Supporters Group’s first event is a Chanukah party scheduled for Dec. 11 at the Stamford Bridge stadium.
“Chelsea have been pioneering in their efforts and dedication to eradicating antisemitism from football and society, and the creation of this group is another example of that,” stated Lord John Mann, a member of the U.K. Parliament and independent adviser to the government on antisemitism. “I would urge other clubs to follow their example and celebrate their Jewish supporters.”
