
Hapoel Hyde Park is a football team of Jewish students that play within the University of Leeds’ social sport leagues, it is managed by Jack Isaacs and Aaron Black. It has been an ambition of Hapoel since the club’s founding, to face a Jewish student team from elsewhere in the country.
This event was the first time in many years that two Jewish university football teams faced off, with Hapoel Hyde Park hosting Maccabi Selly Oak of Birmingham. It was a very exciting landmark and was used to raise money for the important cause of World Jewish Relief’s Ukraine Appeal.
The date of the match was significant as it fell on Yom Hashoah, a day marked in the Jewish calendar for remembrance of the terrible atrocities of the Holocaust, this was made more poignant with the ongoing situation in Ukraine. The event was used to remember what our community faced during the Holocaust, whilst also celebrating our ability to take part in such an event as our community has rebuilt in the years since. This was achieved by having a moving talk presented by a Jewish student in Leeds, Anatole Ferrera, as well as a minute’s silence being held before kick-off.
Anatole’s talk emphasised that the past should not be forgotten so that in present times, we are not silent and act when we see people in need. By relating history with current affairs, Anatole brought awareness to the situation in Ukraine and highlighted that now it is important we stand with Ukraine.
An event that started with a group of Jewish students travelling between universities, soon gathered the support of the community as the message travelled far and wide. Both teams gained messages of encouragement from England Manager Gareth Southgate and Watford FC and former England goalkeeper Ben Foster. With so much attention on social media the fundraising target had to be increased as it reached its goal with over a week still to go until the match. The original target was £500 however the current total stands at £1,500 and is still increasing!
The game featured a loud atmosphere provided by home fans as well as travelling away fans, there was chanting, vuvuzelas as well as the distinct noise of a shofar. Unfortunately for Hapoel the game ended 2-1 to Maccabi Selly Oak, marking only a small loss compared to the huge amount of donations the teams were able to raise for a fantastic cause. After the match the Leeds and Birmingham JSocs came together to host a football themed party that contributed an extra £1 per person to the fundraiser.
Such an event could not have been put on without the dedication and hard work of organisers Jack Isaacs, who is about to complete his final year of studies before taking up the role of FZY Mazkir, and Aaron Black, a 2nd Year Real Estate student from Glasgow. Both took a significant time out of their studies right before their end of year assessments, to ensure the match was successfully coordinated. To make this event possible Hapoel partnered with the Leeds University Jewish Chaplaincy, Zecharia and Nava Deutsch, the University sports facilities at Sports Park Weetwood and the Union of Jewish Students. With these collaborators, Jack and Aaron were able to provide a site for the event, a free drink for all students in attendance and also make a donation on behalf of all those that attended.
The success of this event and fundraiser brilliantly showcased the ability of Jewish student sport to bring people together to help those in need. It is hoped that the meeting of these two teams sets the stage for the progression of Jewish University Sports into something more universal across the country. Organiser Aaron Black hopes to continue driving this initiative in his final year. More information about the event can be found on the Hapoel Hyde Park Instagram, @hapoelhydepark. To stay up to date with the team and find out about the new exciting projects set to involve Jewish students across the country, follow the page!

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