Representatives of Chelsea Football Club will this week take part in the March of the Living in Poland, the latest activity in the Club’s Say No to Antisemitism campaign which was launched earlier this year.
The March of the Living is an annual event which brings people from around the world to explore the history of the Holocaust, with thousands marching from Auschwitz to Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex built during World War II. Arutz Sheva will be on the scene covering the events.
Taking part in events marking the March this year are Chelsea directors Bruce Buck and Eugene Tenenbaum, Sir Steve Redgrave, the Olympic legend and Chelsea supporter who will participate in an ambassadorial role, Avram Grant, Chelsea’s former manager whose father was a Holocaust survivor, plus Jody Morris, Chelsea’s under 18 manager and players from our Academy.
The March, which will be marking its 30th anniversary and takes place on Israel’s Holocaust Memorial Day, is designed to contrast starkly with the death marches which occurred towards the end of the war.
Chelsea’s Say No to Antisemitism campaign is initiated and backed by Chelsea Football Club’s owner Roman Abramovich: “The Holocaust was a crime without parallel in history. We must never forget such atrocities and must do our utmost to prevent them from ever happening again. We can all do something to challenge discrimination at our club as well as within the world around us.”
Bruce Buck, Chelsea Football Club Chairman, said: “Anti-Semitism has been on the rise around the world for some time now and it is in this context, and with the full support of the club’s owner Roman Abramovich, we recently launched an initiative to raise awareness of and tackle anti-Semitism in all its forms. We are honored to participate in this year’s March of the Living and pay our respects to the millions of Jews who lost their lives in the Holocaust.”
Avram Grant, former Chelsea coach: “Being the child of a Holocaust survivor and having relatives who died in Auschwitz, it is very special for me to join this March. Auschwitz stands for indescribable sadness and evil, but my father taught me to always remain hopeful. Despite all his struggles, he was the most optimistic man in the world and believed that always, in every situation, there is hope. I am very humbled to come back here today with my former team Chelsea, to honor the lives lost and unite together for a brighter future.”
Sir Steve Redgrave, the Olympic legend and Chelsea supporter: “Sports can play an important role in bringing people together, and Chelsea’s efforts to tackle anti-Semitism is a good example of how clubs can contribute in promoting unity and tolerance. I am honored to participate in this year’s March of the Living to stand up to antisemitism and honor the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust.”