OVER the past three years, Jewish sporting activity in some parts of Africa has experienced a remarkable transformation, which is marked by a rise in youth participation and the steady growth of organized friendly competitions. In Nigeria, for example, what was once limited to occasional football matches during periodic youth Shabbat gatherings has evolved into regular sporting programs led by Jewish-owned and community-based clubs. Teams such as Maccabi FC Nigeria and Harachman FC have emerged as pioneers of this movement, helping to place structured Jewish sports back on the communal agenda.

Beyond football, other disciplines have also gained visibility. Athletes are now participating in relay races, volleyball, swimming, and table tennis, particularly among Nigerian Jewish communities. Outside Nigeria, women’s netball teams in Uganda and various sporting initiatives in Eastern Africa, like long-distance racing in Kenya, further demonstrate the territorial expansion of Jewish athletic activity on the continent. Together, these developments reflect a growing recognition of sport as a tool for youth development, discipline, and communal pride.

The Maccabiah has been organized by the World Maccabi Union since its inaugural tournament in 1932. The Games, often referred to as the “Jewish Olympics,” occur every four years and have seen more than 20 editions. They currently attract Jewish athletes from around 80 countries worldwide. Although there are long-established indigenous Jewish communities in Africa, the continent has historically experienced limited participation. This narrative is starting to evolve as African Jewish athletes increasingly position on the path towards international competition, including prospective participation in future Maccabiah Games.

Competing at this Olympic level requires consistent training, professional skills, and physical fitness. In response, a structured football initiative was launched in Nigeria to provide players with access to organized coaching, and regular football activities for youth development. Based in Abuja, Maccabi FC Nigeria was created as a national platform for Jewish footballers residing in the region, and eventually became one of the first African Jewish teams to prepare for potential participation in the Maccabiah, thereby hoping on making history in Jewish football.

Last year, during the build-up to the Maccabiah, their chances of participating in the football activities in the group stage became slimmer due to certain underlying factors and timing. But, by the time the Maccabiah postponement was announced on the 16th of June, 2025, something bigger was taking shape in the continent. It was like an awakening, and we saw inside the formation of the Maccabi African Confederation, Africa’s biggest Jewish sporting revolution.

Through networks such as the Sub-Saharan African Jewish Alliance (SAJA), Jewish athletes from several African countries and potential teams ready for organization came into the limelight. Much of this momentum has been inspired by the consistent advocacy of the Maccabi Nigeria Union, which has pushed for greater inclusion of African athletes in international Jewish competitions. To support this vision, country representatives and regional coordinators have been identified across sub-Saharan Africa, laying the administrative and managerial foundation for broader participation.

Following extensive consultation, organizers concluded that Africa required its regional and continental competition as a stepping stone toward international tournaments. This led to the decision to plan and host a maiden edition of the Maccabi Pan-African Tournament, MPAT, designed to bring together Jewish teams from across the continent in a structured and symbolic sporting event.

At the time of the first official announcement, three football teams had already indicated interest in participating in the tournament, which is scheduled to be hosted in Nigeria. The most recent club to join this list is Xriso Sporting FC, an Abuja-based side managed by Shlomo Yaakov, a chazan at Gihon Hebrew Synagogue. His efforts have led to the establishment of a training partnership between Xriso Sporting FC and Maccabi FC Nigeria.

Under this arrangement, players from both teams share training facilities and participate in joint practice sessions, enabling increased match exposure and improved fitness levels. The collaboration is intended to create a shared football environment in which players train together, play side by side, face each other in friendly matches, and gain valuable competitive experience ahead of the Pan-African tournament.

On 4 February, two defensive players from Maccabi FC Nigeria, Shimon and Chayim, featured alongside Xriso Sporting FC in a friendly match at the Sports Complex Stadium, which ended in a 4–4 draw. Continuing a few days later, on 8 February, Xriso Sporting FC secured a 4–2 victory against the visiting Peculiar Football Academy. These matches form part of a broader schedule of weekly fixtures designed to sharpen performance and build match fitness in preparation for the proposed pilot edition of MPAT.

As Nigeria prepares to host this historic event, interested athletes and teams are now able to register through the official platform of the Maccabi Nigeria Union. The tournament is expected to feature multiple sporting competitions, including football, tennis, swimming, relay races, and other track and field events. Participation will include both male and female athletes, with delegations anticipated from more than ten African countries.

While an initial date had been proposed, organizers have since adjusted the timeline, opting to hold the tournament after the Maccabiah in Israel. The period of Sukkot 5787, corresponding to September 2026, has been identified as the most suitable timeframe. This adjustment is intended to allow sufficient time for wider participation, improved planning, and the mobilization of financial and logistical support.

With these developments, the Maccabi Pan-African Tournament is shaping up to be more than a sporting competition. It represents a continental statement of unity, ambition, and a new frontier, offering African Jewish athletes a platform to compete, connect, and contribute to the growing legacy of Jewish sport on the continent.

The post Maccabi Pan-African Tournament: Xriso FC Set to Compete, Other Latest Updates. first appeared on African Jewish Voices.

NIGERIA is set to make history during Pesach 5786 as it hosts the maiden edition of the proposed Pan-African Maccabi Tournament, a landmark multi-sport event bringing together athletes from communities across Africa. Scheduled to take place in Akwa Ibom State in southern Nigeria, the tournament represents a historical turning point in the development of professional Jewish sports on the continent and aligns with the broader vision of strengthening African participation within the global Maccabi movement, which has been going on for nearly a century.

The Pan-African Maccabi Competition is planned as a multi-day sporting festival, featuring various competitive games including football, tennis, lawn tennis, badminton, swimming, and track events such as relay races. The tournament has been intentionally designed to accommodate both talented male and female athletes, reinforcing inclusivity, equal opportunity, and active youth engagement across African Jewish communities.

Football will serve as one of the tournament’s central highlights. Four of the Jewish-owned football teams in the country are set to participate: Harachman FC, Maccabi FC Nigeria (Maccabi FCN), Mehamitzrach FC, and the National Team. If just these four teams show up, the competition will be a round-robin format, with each team playing against the others in the group stage. The top two teams will move on to the final based on the outcomes of the matches, while the remaining teams will compete in a third-place playoff, ensuring meaningful participation and competitive balance for all sides.

Beyond football, female athletes will play a prominent role in the tournament. Young women are expected to compete actively in track events, particularly relay races, which would include 200M and 800M, as well as in badminton, highlighting the growing presence and importance of women in Jewish sports development across Africa. These events will showcase athletic talent and encourage broader female participation in organized sports within Jewish communities. Additionally, these events will foster the establishment of professional women’s teams in various sports like volleyball, basketball, netball, and even football going forward.

The tournament is set to commence on April 5, featuring an opening ceremony at the host stadium venue. Athletes, team officials, community leaders, fans, and invited Maccabi representatives from various regions of Africa will parade in their colors and official flags. The organizers of the games anticipate attendees from over 10 African countries, giving them the opportunity to observe some days of Pesach in Nigeria alongside the sporting activities. The opening ceremony will celebrate unity, cultural pride, and sportsmanship, setting the tone for five days of competition and communal engagement. The sporting activities that will take place throughout the tournament period will no doubt foster interaction, learning, and shared experiences among participants.

In addition to competition, the Pan-African Maccabi Tournament serves a strategic purpose as a talent scouting and development platform. A core objective of the initiative is to prepare African athletes for future participation in the Maccabiah Games in Eretz Israel. By exposing athletes to structured competition and continental-level organization, the tournament aims to raise standards, strengthen discipline, and integrate African Jewish athletes more effectively into the global Maccabi framework.

The event will conclude with a closing ceremony celebrating achievements, recognizing outstanding performances, and reaffirming the long-term vision of sustained Jewish sports development across the continent. Awards and reflections will underscore the tournament’s broader mission—building unity, confidence, and opportunity through sports. The end, which would be coinciding with the final day of Pesach, will feature a banquet to mark the end of the games. There would also be a cultural performance by the women of the Akwa Ibom Jewish organization. During the 5-day period, organizers plan to hold a seminar, workshop, and an official meeting to unveil the proposed Maccabi African Confederation, a continental body that will shape the Jewish sporting revolution in Africa.

To support both the tournament and future initiatives, organizers are developing a dedicated online platform through which intending athletes will be able to register their interest, select the sports they wish to participate in, and receive official updates regarding schedules, venues, and participation guidelines. This platform is expected to play a key role in coordinating athletes across borders and ensuring the sustainability of Pan-African Maccabi activities.

Shortly after returning from Uganda, I met with Yatov Ben Israel in Lagos, spending a couple of days together. Our initial engagement focused on the sorting and distribution of Judaica books to about 30 synagogues in Nigeria, which had arrived from South Africa, generously donated by members of the Jewish community, especially in Johannesburg and Pretoria. Our discussions later expanded to cover ongoing planning, consultations, international coordination, and preparations for the upcoming Pan-African Maccabi Tournament. He hinted about his next travel plans, which were strategic and necessary.

“I will be returning to South Africa to continue consultations with the Maccabi South Africa Union, which will play a significant role in this pilot edition of the Pan-African Maccabi Tournament holding in Nigeria. We are also planning a media visit to Israel as part of our efforts to promote the tournament and canvass for support. With the strength of our networks and the support of partner organizations, preparations to achieve a successful Passover sporting outing are already underway. Let the games begin.”

Against this backdrop of motivation and growing continental collaboration, the phrase “Let the Games Begin” was adopted as the official theme of the Nigeria 5786 sporting festival. If successful, the competition is also intended to lead to the official unveiling and formation of the Maccabi African Confederation, MAC—a continental body envisioned to power a new era in African Jewish sports development and coordination. Without doubt, this inaugural edition is more than a sporting competition; the Pan-African Maccabi Tournament embodies the spirit of Pesach—the Festival of Freedom—symbolizing movement, growth, and new beginnings. It marks the start of a new chapter for Jewish sports in Africa, grounded in unity, opportunity, and a collective continental future.

The post Nigeria to Host the Inaugural Pan-African Maccabi Tournament (Pesach 5786) first appeared on African Jewish Voices.

IN RECENT times, the practice of Judaism by many Jews living in Sub-Saharan Africa has expanded beyond Shabbat and festivals, which are the main religious aspects of the faith. It has notably evolved into areas like sports development, media ownership, philanthropy, entertainment, and tourism. Education at different learning stages is springing up, as well as adaptation of technology in tackling food insecurities and cases of climatic change.

In the area of sports and youth development, history will soon be recorded among African Jews as a new Jewish organization, tentatively known as the Maccabi African Confederation (MAC), is on the verge of revolutionizing sporting activities on the continent. The organization will be an offspring and affiliate of the Maccabi World Federation—a Jewish organization that uses sports to empower sports-loving Jewish lads—when it finally becomes a reality.

The proposed formation is a historic step toward uniting African Jewish sports under one formidable umbrella. According to the organization’s proposal document, the organization will ensure the strengthening of Jewish identity around Africa through athletic excellence. It will also foster talent collaboration to ensure that African Jews’ full representation within the global Maccabi movement is actively efficient.

We cannot over emphasize the impact of the proposed MAC organization on African Jewish communities. As a continental organization, it is evident that it has the potential to make a significant impact on both existing and emerging Jewish communities in Africa. With a focus on promoting Jewish identity, community engagement, and sports excellence, the body can provide a platform for African Jewish youth to develop their skills, build confidence, connect with their heritage, and escape some of the limitations and challenges that are still prevalent in this part of the world.

If recognized and formally launched, Maccabi African Confederation involvement in African Jewish communities will help address some of these challenges. The formation of the confederation will provide both stakeholders and supporters with a powerful tool to transform expectations of the African Jewry into reality. By providing access to sports training and competitions, the platform will help young people develop important life skills, such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Additionally, emphasis on Jewish identity and community engagement can help young people connect with their heritage and build a sense of belonging as they become a part of the global Jewish sports community.

The potential benefits of MAC’s involvement in African Jewish communities are not only significant but also promising. These benefits include the promotion of Jewish identity and the idea of inclusivity irrespective of affiliation, race, or region. The organization’s outlined programs can help young people develop a stronger connection to their Jewish heritage and community. Therefore, build a stronger and more connected, flourishing community across the continent in the long run.

The historic formation of this sporting organization, currently awaiting formal recognition and approval, has already in its background sighted prospects in numerous African countries that were previously undetected by the Maccabi World Union radar. Currently, active football teams from various Jewish communities exist in Nigeria, while basketball and netball activities thrive in Uganda. Kenya organizes track events, indoor games like table tennis, and outdoor court games like lawn tennis. Dedicated Jewish leaders in Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Ghana are prepared to contribute their efforts towards the recruiting and development of sports in their respective countries.

The proposal to form the organization and officially affiliate with the Maccabi World Union was conceived and proposed by the Maccabi South Africa Union. However, it all began after a sports editor of an Israeli newspaper stumbled upon an article, “Making History in Jewish Football,” by Eben Cohen, published on the African Jewish Voices. In the weeks that followed, after back-to-back interviews and fact-finding, the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper headline in Israel broke the news, which eventually got many people talking.

From Nigeria to the Maccabiah: Nigeria’s Jewish soccer team aiming to compete in Israel. The Igbo Jewish community, claiming to be descendants of a biblical Israelite clan, hopes to play against other teams in Israel and cement their Jewish status in what’s known as the “Jewish Olympics.”

With other Israeli news outlets picking up on the trending information, Ros Goldin, a former director of the Maccabi South African Union, reached out, offering guidance to see things through. The push for the historic inclusion of the Nigerian football team got underway with Ros and Cliff Garrun, the head director of the Maccabi Union in South Africa. However, due to limited timing for formal application and the structural fixation of the already participating football teams, getting onboard didn’t look feasible. But with the breakout of the 12-day Israeli/Iranian war, the unexpected yet necessary decision was taken by the Israeli government— Maccabiah postponement: now scheduled for 2026.

Further discussion followed, going beyond Nigeria and South Africa, as our radar beamed light on the other parts of the continent, revealing the sporting landscape of sporting activities across most parts of sub-Saharan Africa. The fact that the Jewish population exists from one country to the other means that Jewish sporting activities are also developing at a rapid pace. The discussion led to the ultimate question— why is there no Maccabi Continental platform that can organize these Jewish talents into one-fold, just as obtainable in other parts of the world, such as the United States, Europe, and Asia?

Examining the extent of activities at the continental level reveals a variety of sports involving male and female participants, as well as age-group engagement, all contributing to a growing number of active participants. The South Africa Maccabi organization has a long-established history of active participation in various sports and has consistently attended the Maccabiah Games in Israel since the event’s inception.

In Nigeria, the Maccabi Football Club is already formidable, taking the lead in getting prepared to reap the benefits that will come with the official recognition of the Maccabi Africa Confederation (MAC). The team comprising youths from Gihon Hebrew Synagogue and Tikvet Israel Synagogue has been the most active football team in West and Eastern Africa, preparing and hoping to participate in future editions of the Maccabi Olympics in Israel. The team is actively training, organizing friendly matches in Abuja, and recently featured in a football match during the Camp Sarah 2025 held in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.

Another active Jewish team is Ha’arachaman FC in the southern part of the country. It is owned by the Beth Ha’arachaman Jewish Community in Akwa Ibom State. It was among the 32 teams that participated in a state government-sponsored football tournament in 2024. The team regularly plays friendly matches with other teams in the neighborhood to keep players fit and ensure they have adequate playing time, helping them to improve significantly. Mehamizrach FC and the National Jewish Youth Team, based in eastern Nigeria, are among the other Nigerian football teams. Both teams usually meet during the quarterly national youth Shabbat gatherings to compete against each other in a football match that has 100% Jewish identity

A women’s netball team is currently active in Uganda, East Africa. And on the other hand, a male basketball team is gearing up for formation in the country, aiming to form the first-ever Jewish basketball team in the region. There is also a swimmer and chess player available to compete in Uganda. Kenya hosts Jewish athletes in table tennis and lawn tennis, as well as long-distance runners, all of whom are Jews from the Jewish communities. In Ethiopia, they have longdistance race athletes and swimming activities on the island of Madagascar off the east African coast. In Morocco, there exist football activities too, while Ghana and Zimbabwe are developing frameworks to establish football teams within their respective countries.

In a conversation with Avraham Ben Abraham, the director of media and communication for Maccabi FCN, he emphasized the significance of the initiative to establish the Maccabi Africa Confederation. He stated that young African athletes can discover a route to professional play in Europe and America through sporting tournaments held on African soil or in Israel. Avraham stated that if they succeed in establishing the African Confederation, a new frontier will emerge, presenting numerous opportunities for young Jews aspiring to engage in sports.

“We are embarking on a new journey in community development through sports. Success in the creation of MAC (Maccabi Africa Confederation) would be unprecedented.”

The Maccabi African Confederation will serve as a continental body that unites, coordinate, and represent Jewish sporting organizations and individuals. And if successfully created, the organization will be a recognized platform that will promote Jewish identity through sports and foster unity among African Jewish communities through a well-organized sports and cultural exchange.

According to the document proposing the formation of MAC, which was made available to us, the Confederation is on a mission to revolutionize Jewish sports participation across the continent as they focus on encouraging community ownership, youth engagement, inter-country collaboration, and partnerships with established sports institutions. Furthermore, the organization is poised to make a lasting positive impact on the Jewish world through sports.

In August 2025, after a series of months of online meetings with progressive discussions between the Nigerian Maccabi management and their South African Union counterparts, who oversee the continent and official representatives to the Maccabi World Union, the first meeting in Johannesburg was held. The SAJA (Sub-Saharan African Jewish Alliance) network and the African Jewish Voices effort were instrumental in discovering most Jewish athletes across several countries. This initiative was praised as a historic move, even though it is still a work in progress; the athletes embraced the vision, and country representatives volunteered to manage and enhance their community sporting activities. The countries with existing sports teams are commencing revitalization awareness, while those with none are putting effort into organizing talented youths to form teams.

During the strategic meeting in Johannesburg, Jator Abido, Executive Director of Maccabi FC Nigeria and Head of SAJA’s International Working Committee, sat with Cliff Garrun to advance discussions on the proposed MAC formation and explored practical pathways toward its establishment. The growing presence of Jewish athletes and active sporting activities across Africa provides a strong foundation for forming a continental confederation. With hundreds of athletes already engaged in different sports, the momentum for a unified Maccabi structure is steadily gaining ground.

Speaking after his return from South Africa, Jator expressed deep optimism about the outcome of the meeting. He noted that the discussion also featured virtual participation from Avraham, media director of Maccabi Nigeria, who joined online from Kenya, where he was working on identifying and organizing country coordinators in East Africa and beyond as part of the wider MAC groundwork.

“The meeting was wonderful,” Jator emphasized. “We raised important issues about structure, planning, and how to ensure that every country progresses together. While some communities are already organized and advancing in sports development, others will require assistance, particularly in areas such as training, athlete recruitment, and sponsorship. Financial sustainability remains essential, as sports development cannot succeed without it.”

Generally, the progressive report so far looks promising. However, long-term success hinges on sustainability and engaging all age groups in different sports. Active collaboration is key, providing grounds for regular training, just as seen by Maccabi FC Nigeria’s recent partnership with Xriso Sporting FC, a football club in Abuja, to share training facilities and engage in friendly matches to allow players more training time and improve their performance and skills. Other teams should absolutely emulate this type of partnership.

Furthermore, the existence of Jewish owned primary and secondary schools in Uganda, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Cameroon would ensure a continuous supply of young athletes, securing the sustainability of the Maccabi program. Large-scale media and promotion are equally instrumental in increasing visibility and attracting supporters, sponsors, and global donors. Both regional and country coordinators selected as volunteers need to give their best by holding their responsibilities firmly, keeping teams motivated and performing, while awaiting the establishment of this proposed territorial organization.

In summary, it is essential for Jews worldwide to back the Maccabi African Confederation because of its considerable potential influence on Jewish communities in Africa. This organization is set to both organize and host upcoming African Maccabi tournaments while also creating opportunities for more African athletes to participate in the Israeli Olympics in the future. Likewise, the confederation aims to assist young individuals in African Jewish communities in creating a more promising future for themselves and their communities. This goal will be achieved through access to sports training and competitions, the promotion of Jewish identity and community involvement, and the encouragement of life skills development.

The post Africa’s Jewish Sporting Revolution: Inside the Formation of MAC first appeared on African Jewish Voices.

In another jubilation moment for the Nigerian Jewry, the Maccabi Football Club of Nigeria recently made its mark on this year’s Camp Sarah Camping with a football match to entertain the campers. As one of the first Jewish football clubs in Nigeria, Maccabi FCN, which is looking forward to making history in Jewish football, was founded with a dual mission: to promote Judaism and provide an athletic platform for talented Jewish players to showcase their skills without compromising their faith.

As Nigeria is a nation with many talented footballers, Maccabi FCN helps strengthen Jewish identity and community by providing a platform for Jewish players to pursue their passion for football. The club’s founders believe that sports can be a powerful tool for building connections and fostering a sense of belonging among Jewish youth. Its participation in the 2025 Camp Sarah event in Abuja, Nigeria, marked a significant milestone in its journey in its two years of existence.

Inside Camp Sarah, which is a typical children’s playground for arts, sports, leadership training, and learning Judaism, is currently running its third edition. In the summer of 2023, the inaugural summer camping event took place in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, at Tikvat Yisrael Synagogue at Kubwa, a suburb of the federal capital territory. Since its inception, the camp gathering has continued to grow in strength, usually consisting of participants from within Nigeria, Africa, and overseas, with prospects of expanding into a conventional Jewish camp as seen across the globe.

This year’s outing, held in the same venue, began on the 7th of August and is scheduled to take place for a period of at least two weeks. As usual, it begins with a leadership training where camp volunteers meet to plan and discuss how to run a successful camp while keeping the children entertained by learning Judaism through fun and creative ways.

Seven days into the camping, exactly on a Sunday, 17th August, the campers moved out and gathered at the Black and White School Field, Phase 4, Kubwa, Abuja, to witness a thrilling encounter between Maccabi FCN and Legacy FC, another youth football team based in the Kubwa area. The atmosphere was lively, with supporters on both sides cheering passionately from the sidelines.

The game began with high intensity, and Legacy FC drew first blood in the first half with a well-taken goal, putting Maccabi FCN on the back foot. Maccabi thought they had equalized shortly after, but their goal was controversially ruled out for offside, leaving them trailing as the whistle blew for halftime.

The second half, on the other hand, offered an entirely different story. Maccabi FCN returned with renewed energy, pressing hard and dominating possession. Their persistence paid off when Daniel found the back of the net to level the score. Riding on the momentum, Daniel struck again with a composed finish, completing his brace and turning the game around.

The final whistle confirmed a 2–1 comeback victory for Maccabi FCN, a match that left fans celebrating the fighting spirit and resilience of the team. Kadmiel, a cantor in Gihon Hebrew Synagogue and one of the volunteers at Camp Sarah, revealed after the match how tough the match was for his team, most especially during the first half.

“The match was tough because we were playing against an opponent we had never faced before. And it was hard, especially during the first half because they were a bit physical and playing at home. However, with the help of our supporters, we gradually gained momentum in the match, demonstrated teamwork, dominated the game, and ultimately emerged victorious. Baruch Hashem.”

The match day victory was dedicated to Camp Sarah, whose campers and volunteers and management trooped out en masse to encourage the team, which has some of its players working in the camp as volunteers.

“During the match, one of the foreign visitors who was watching from the bench said he loved the energy and fighting spirit put up by the players coming from one goal down and then eventually leading the game. Interestingly, another visitor said that the Nigerian Jewish team would definitely go as far as winning the Maccabiah tournament in Israel some day if given the opportunity of participating in the Israeli Olympics.”

At the end of the football game, the fans and supporters were happy and felt truly entertained by the Maccabi Nigerian players. Some of the foreign visitors, impressed with the performance, took the players out for swimming, after which they had a good lunch and spoke about the game. They were also gifted some cash for transportation back to their bases.

According to Shlomo Yaakov, the technical coach of the Maccabi FCN, the players showed resilience and the spirit of true sportsmanship to emerge victorious at the end of the game. With a promising future, the team looks set to continue to train and play active football games, with the ultimate goal being participation in the prestigious Israeli Maccabi Games. Interestingly, there’s even more in front, as the formation of a proposed Maccabi African Confederation (MAC) is the top agenda of discussion between the South African Maccabi Union, the IPJD, and the A.B.A. Foundation. When this development materializes, the team will be ready to compete against other Jewish football clubs across the African continent.

The post Maccabi FC Nigeria Takes Part in Camp Sarah 2025 Activities. first appeared on African Jewish Voices.

The Maccabi Games, also known as the Maccabiah, is the world’s largest Jewish athletes competition. This international Jewish multi-sport event is also the second largest sporting event in terms of the number of athletes competing. The event, also referred to as the Israeli Olympics, began in 1932 with 14 countries participating and has now grown to over 80 countries, with more nations preparing to feature their athletes in this prestigious competition.

This year, the much anticipated 22nd edition of the Israeli games was expected to commence from July 8th to 22nd with an opening ceremony scheduled to hold in Jerusalem. However, its organizers just announced, after an emergency meeting held yesterday in Israel, the 16th of June, about the postponement of the games. The tournament is said to be shifted to July 2026, which is a year further from the original timetable.

The reason for the postponement is related to the ongoing escalation of hostility between the Israeli nation and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The new wave of intensified conflict, which began a few days ago, has blown into a full-scale war, with the capitals of both countries targeted in a series of missile attacks and retaliatory strikes by both sides. With such developments, with a high degree of unpredictability and volatility, the guarantee of athletes, fans, and visitors attending the events to cheer up the games is not certain—hence the necessity of the postponement.

But this seems to be the first time that the games will be rescheduled due to national insecurity concerns. The most recent postponement occurred in 2021 due to the pandemic, which eventually forced the world to avoid large gatherings as a preventive measure against the spread of the coronavirus. Therefore, they moved the 21st edition of the Maccabi Games to 2022.

However, in the buildup to the games, a Nigerian youth team that hoped to make history in Jewish football will now have to wait to see how other plans its management has been considering will play out in the coming months. One of which is the talks about the formation of an African Confederation, coined as MAC. The proposed Maccabi African Confederation (MAC) is aiming to bring together Jewish athletes from across the African continent for the first time in a sporting event.

Nonetheless, in the wake of the unfolding postponement, the Maccabi FCN remains focused on its mission, which will see the players engaging in more club activities. In their recent friendly match against Xriso Sporting FC, which they lost by 2 nil, the club’s coach, Shlomo Yaakov, stressed that the team played their best and is looking to bounce back in their next fixture. He emphasized that the players must intensify their training and gain more experience by participating in local football competitions.

Becoming a formidable team requires a lot from both the players and management, who are, as always, fully determined to ensure the success of the club both nationally and internationally. To achieve greater success in a shorter time frame, the club plans to seek partnerships that will provide the players with improved training facilities and accommodations, allowing them more opportunities for practice and play.

The post Maccabiah Postponement: Now Scheduled for 2026 first appeared on African Jewish Voices.

As Jews all over the world celebrate the Purim festival, honoring the triumph achieved in the 4th century in Persia against Haman, the enemy of Jews, a young Jewish football club in the heart of West Africa went out of their way to bring Jewishness into sports. There could be no better occasion than Purim, the first significant festival of 2025, to celebrate and revel in the spirit of triumph and miracles that characterize the history of our Jewish ancestors.

The evening buzzed with excitement and a vibrant festive atmosphere as the young players, primarily from the Gihon Hebrew Synagogue, along with their fans, gathered at the synagogue in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, to get ready for the Purim eve service, where they would read the megillah Esther, in accordance with Purim tradition. The players who spent the night at the synagogue resumed the service in the morning with a Torah service, attended by both the older and younger members of the congregation, along with two visitors who expressed their delight in attending the service at the Synagogue.

Mr. Gate-Way Buba, who generously donated wine to the synagogue for the celebration, commended the football club for their commitment to Judaism. He commended the Jewish people globally for their unwavering faith in the Emunah, even in the face of persecution. Shlomo Ben Yakov, the technical director of the Nigerian Maccabi Football Club, expressed that the Maccabi FCN was established to support Jewish youths in Nigeria in their journey to become better Jews, emphasizing that pursuing football will not distance them from their faith. Instead of merely being club members, it will encourage the players to practice Judaism with deep commitment. He emphasized that the football club has consistently celebrated Jewish festivals as a team since its founding.

Making history in Jewish football has been a top agenda item for the few organizations that support it and other forms of youth development. Over the years, we have witnessed football activities in different states across the country playing host to the national youth Shabbat gathering. As time passed, the desire to become a more organized professional team with support and active management intensified, as the aspiration to participate in the Maccabiah grew stronger. However, following the conclusion of the August 2024 youth gathering in Abuja, the path to the Maccabi Games appears clear, with a Nigerian youth soccer team set to make its debut in the Israeli Olympics. If this eventually happens, then they will emerge as the first all-Black African football team to make it to the prestigious sporting tournament created since 1932.

Kayim, one of the players who spoke at the special Purim event, said that being a member of the Maccabi football club has helped him in the practice of Judaism. He said being among players and managers that practice Judaism made him feel at home. Further, he expressed his hope that the club will be able to participate in the upcoming Maccabiah in Israel.

If we receive acceptance to participate in the Maccabi tournament in Israel, I will be extremely happy.” It will be a dream come true for me and other players. It will be a dream come true.”

While speaking on the phone during his travels to Uganda, Avraham Ben Avraham, the director of media and communication at the football club, emphasized the significance of taking part in the upcoming sporting tournament scheduled to take place in July.

We are committed to ensuring that our football club, the sole Jewish football club in West, Central, and Eastern Africa, participates in the forthcoming Maccabi Games in Israel. We are engaging in discussions with Jewish stakeholders both in Africa and beyond. A few months ago, we made headline in Yedioth Ahronoth, the largest daily newspaper in Israel. We are confident that our efforts will produce beneficial outcomes both in the present and moving forward. Should we achieve success, it will yield numerous positive outcomes for the tournament and for Jewish athletics across various regions of Africa that have not had the opportunity to participate in these tournaments since they began.

At the end of the eventful Purim service of prayers and merriment, everyone hurried home to begin preparation for Shabbat, which began later in the evening. Folks were joyful to see the young males active both in sports and Judaism and looked forward to another event with the youths at the helms of leading prayer services. The special event was proudly sponsored through the collective effort of the synagogue community members, the Initiative for Progressive Judaism Development (IPJD), and the management of the Maccabi FC Nigeria.

The post Maccabi Football Club of Nigeria holds Purim Service at Gihon Synagogue. first appeared on African Jewish Voices.

Maccabi Football Club Nigeria set to become the first black African soccer team to compete in the Israeli Olympics Tournament:

By Eben Kislon Cohen

Since its inception, the game of football has had an undeniable historical impact on the societal lives of global communities over centuries. It has evolved so fantastically today that every nation in the world has its own national team, and wealthy individuals and companies own most of the popular football club sides. There is no corner of the world where it has not reached and played on different levels, offering a source of entertainment and relaxation, and of course making the money go around.

On a global stage, just like how the International Olympic Committee (IOC) organizes the summer Olympics, the Maccabi World Union hosts the Israeli Olympics known as the Maccabiah, which is the world’s largest Jewish athletics competition. The Maccabiah’s primary mission, according to the Union, is to facilitate a worldwide gathering of Jewish athletes in Israel and strengthen their connection to Israel’s state and the Jewish people.

However, unlike the summer Olympics, where the IOC determines the host country and rotates it every four years, the Israeli Olympics take place only in Israel, usually a year after the general Olympics. This international Jewish multi-sport event is also the second largest sporting event in terms of the number of athletes competing. Since its inception in Palestine in 1932, when 390 athletes from 14 countries participated, the games have expanded to accommodate a staggering 10,000 athletes from 80 countries across 42 distinct sports in their 19th edition, which took place in Jerusalem in 2017.

Despite over 3,000 tournaments being recorded in the games so far, no football team from black Jewish communities across Sub-Saharan Africa have yet participated. However, with the Maccabi World Union’s desire to accommodate more countries with active sporting enthusiasts, things seem to be going well for a newly formed Nigerian Jewish team that is poised to become the first black African soccer team to compete in the prestigious Israeli tournament.

The establishment of the national youth Shabbat some years ago marked the beginning of Jewish football in Nigeria. Youths from all over the country converge in a synagogue to observe Shabbat, study the Torah, exchange ideas, and strengthen the national Jewish unity. In addition to the important general meeting that occurs the day after Shabbat before the youths depart for their various destinations, the males gather to play football, while the females participate in various other forms of sports. Initially, the football teams would be selected randomly, but with time, as the national youth Shabbat gained traction, it became the hosting state against the visitors.

The national youth Shabbat football matches have become not only a source of entertainment but have played a crucial role in fostering Jewish unity. The excitement surrounding these games has become a highlight of our community calendar; with tales of the matches the youths played dominating discussions across Jewish enclaves in Nigeria. In addition to this occasional national football match, we have witnessed football matches at the state level between different synagogues. A typical example is the frequent match between Tikvat Yisrael Synagogue and Gihon Hebrew Synagogue, both in Abuja. Olam Torah and Ohr Torah communities in Aba, Abia State, have played friendly matches among themselves with the sole aim of solidifying mutual understanding and coexistence.

In 2022, the Beth Harachman Jewish community formed Harachman FC, a formidable football club, in Akwa Ibom, a coastal state in southern Nigeria. The Beth Harachman Jewish community, the club’s owner, fielded a group of young chazanim as its earliest players, who actively participated in friendly matches against other local teams in Ekpene Ukim, the locality where the Jewish community is located, on the outskirts of the state capital, Uyo. And with time, Harachman FC recruited and signed some new players from the surrounding villages who were not Jews, promoting interfaith mutual relationships. In December 2023, they played in a 32-team state tournament in honor of Senator Godswill Akpabio. They defeated two teams in this knockout football game to reach the round of 16 before losing out in the quarterfinal stage.

But the latest entrant in the Jewish football space is the Maccabi football club of Nigeria, borne out of the inspiration to fight for a spot in the future Maccabiah. Based in Abuja, the team comprises players from Gihon Hebrew Synagogue and Tikvat Yisrael Synagogue, in addition to key players from other synagogues across the country, ensuring a nationwide spread.

‘’The choice to name the Abuja-based team Maccabi Football Club of Nigeria was truly inspiring, I’d say. The Maccabi-games is a goal we aspire to, and I have full confidence that the new club’s name will inspire us to push ourselves every day until we proudly represent Nigeria in the Jewish Olympics. I understand that this will not be so easy, but  I  am committed to leveraging my influence to foster collaboration with the Xriso Sporting Club. Together, we can share training facilities and occasionally train alongside each other to keep the team prepared and fit to favorably compete with other teams in our debut outing in Israel.“

Shlomo Ben Yaakov, a senior hazan in Gihon Hebrew Synagogue, is currently the team manager of Xriso Sporting Club, an indigenous football club based in Abuja that supports and develops young, talented players from different states in Nigeria who make up the team.

In its latest encounter, Maccabi FCN defeated Mehamizrac FC with a convincing 2–0 victory, a match played on the 4th of August in Abuja at the end of the national youth Shabbat hosted in Gihon Hebrew Synagogue. The team proudly adorned the logo of Kulanu, their international sponsor, on their jersey. Kulanu, a non-profit Jewish organization based in the United States, has been supporting returning, isolated, and emerging Jewish communities in over 33 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Kulanu provides funding for various Jewish purposes, such as technologies, education, Jewish materials, and grants for Jewish festivals, and micro-agricultural projects that promote food security. In addition to providing entertainment support for films, music, and short documentaries, Kulanu has expanded its involvement in youth development through sports, specifically in Jewish football. Recently, the organization marked its 30th anniversary since its formation in 1993.

The Maccabi FCN is also lucky to have attracted the interest of another indigenous organization, which is one of its major sponsors. The Initiative for Progressive Judaism Development (IPJD) is a non-profit incorporated trusteeship committed to the sustainable improvement of Jewish lives and the expansion of Jewish communities in order to pave the way for a brighter future. Among the array of Jewish-related activities they support, the organization acknowledges that football is a global sport, and their objective is to organize and train a national Jewish football squad to represent Nigerian Jews in international competition.

The director of the IPJD, Yatov Ben Israel, remained true to their vision by attending to support the newly formed Maccabi FCN as they faced off in their inaugural match against Mehamizrac FC. After the Abuja-based team’s impressive win, he awarded Shimon Yaakov ben Avraham the man of the match recognition. In light of the team’s impressive performance, he stated that the IPJD management intends to support the team’s objective of participating in the Maccabiah games in Israel in 2025

Another proud indigenous supporter of the Maccabi Football Club is the Avraham Ben Avraham Foundation, a community-driven organisation that focuses on some of the unique needs of Jewish communities in Nigeria and beyond. Motivated by the determination and readiness of the Jewish football team, the organisation is collaborating with them to enhance media outreach and promote Jewish football in Nigeria. The A.B.A. Foundation, as stated by the management, will be working in collaboration with all parties involved, both domestically and internationally, as the collective plan to prepare the Nigerian team for the upcoming Israeli games unfolds.

As the clock ticks down with fewer than 260 days remaining until the next Israeli Olympics, the Nigerian team is eagerly anticipating the possibility of participating in the tournament. The club’s official roadmap outlines plans to register as an entity and create a website for accessing real-time progress information. On September 29, 2024, players from Maccabi FCN embarked on their recent community service efforts as reverse tashlich debuts in West Africa . Alongside the global Jewish community, they engaged in a marine conservation initiative focused on repairing the sea by organizing a beach clean-up at Jabi Lake in Abuja. The IPJD, in partnership with Abuja Jewish youth, organized the voluntary exercise to collect and dispose of debris littered around the park by the lake, receiving praise from the public. The concept of reverse tashlich centers on the idea that we pollute water bodies by tossing crumbs of bread into them. Therefore, it is logical to do a reversal action by cleaning waterfront areas to reduce plastic pollution ahead of the High Holidays. It was commendable for the members of the Maccabi FCN to engage in this community service as a team, supporting the initiative and becoming one of the first participants from Nigeria to be part of this global movement.

The Israeli Olympic Games can be a very daunting experience for those who are considered to be the underdog. To achieve success, it is necessary to put in a significant amount of effort in terms of training prior to the beginning of the competition. The Maccabi FCN has arranged a monthly schedule of training sessions and friendly matches with local Abuja teams. One such important arrangement is a proposed friendly match with an assembled team of young Israeli nationals residing in Abuja during the festival of Hanukkah. For the Nigerian team, this match is of utmost significance because it would be their first meeting with a Jewish opponent from another country, serving as a preparatory exercise in a form of simulation for their eventual participation in the Maccabiah.

Without doubt, their fate is dependent on the involvement of an influential global organization such as the Commonwealth Jewish Council, which is a strong partner of the Maccabi World Union who is responsible for organizing the multi- sport Jewish tournament every four years. While no soccer team, except South Africa, from sub-Saharan Africa, has taken part in the football at the Maccabiah games, the CJC has established collaboration with representatives in more than 15 African countries, including Cameroun, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, and Nigeria, just to mention a few. Therefore, given the opportunity to accommodate more participants in the Maccabiah going forward, the Commonwealth Jewish Council, with its extensive presence across Africa, is better positioned to influence and facilitate the possibility of achieving such a historic inclusion in the games.

Making it to Israel in this 20th edition means a lot for the Nigerian football team, as it would tremendously boost the eternal connection and affinity to the land of Israel for thousands of Igbo Jews and non-Igbo Jews residing in the West African country. Just as the Super Eagles of Nigeria command respect on the world football stage, it would not be surprising if the Jewish counterparts, despite being underdogs, pull off a major surprise. Over the years, people in this area have only witnessed trips to Israel for pilgrimage, tourism, business, education, employment as immigrants, and participation in yeshiva, aliyah, or conversion. The idea of representing the Jewish population in Nigeria as a soccer team in Israel opens up a new chapter in history, serving as a catalyst to inspire more African teams and talented athletes to dream and aspire for Jewish glory in the games.

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The post Making History in Jewish Football first appeared on African Jewish Voices.

Football, all over the world, has not only been a source of entertainment, but also a strong uniting factor that brings people together. Whether it’s at the grassroots level, clubside, or even countrywise, the pattern is the same: uniting people into one shared purpose and aspirations. Over the years, youth football in Nigeria has fostered strong bonds across synagogues, communities, and tribes, resulting in improved national cooperation within the over 100 existing Jewish enclaves across the country. Even though these games happen once in a while, usually at the end of every national youth Shabbat, their results have been impactful both in the interim and long term.

Gihon Hebrew synagogue, Jikwoyi Abuja, had on Friday, the 2nd of August, hosted a national youth shabbat, being the second this year after the youth shabbat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in the month of March. This is usually a special shabbat set aside a few times in a year where hundreds of youths in Nigeria come together in a host state to celebrate Shabbat, interact, pray, study, and learn from each other with the sole aim of getting familiar with one another and forming more friendship bonds. Interestingly, this youth shabbat had a massive turnout, with representatives from over 9 states across Nigeria. It was marked with an exciting prayer service, Torah reading, Torah study, introductions, and an amazing havdallah service to crown it all. It was graced also with the presence of some of our brothers and sisters from Israel who were part of the Jewish camping that has arrived in Nigeria with the opening of Camp Sarah. 

After an amazing shabbat, Sunday morning was set aside for a friendly football match between the host state and the National team made up of visiting players. The match started with a ceremonial kickoff taken by Jator Abido, director of the Initiative for Progressive Judaism Development, IPJD, who is one of the major sponsors of the match. The IPJD has been at the forefront as one of the indigenous charitable Jewish organization in the country. And among several things they do is also the fact that it acknowledges that football is a global sport, and their objective remains to organize and train a national Jewish football squad to represent Nigerian Jews in international competitions. 

In the thrilling match at the Rihinna secondary school field, just close to the synagogue, the home team, Maccabi FCN, dominated the visiting team, Mehamizrach FC, with a convincing 2-0 victory. From the opening whistle, the Maccabi FCN showcased their attacking prowess, with their star striker Promise scoring the first goal in the 25th minute. Promise skillfully crafted a header from a precise pass, effortlessly slotting the ball past the Mehamizrach FC goalkeeper. The home team continued to press, with their defense looking solid and their midfield controlling the game’s tempo. The visitors, on the other hand, struggled to create scoring opportunities, but luck wasn’t on their side. 

Despite a late surge from the away team, the Maccabi FCN defense held strong, securing a second goal, which was scored by Bezellel, who was their midfielder. It was a well-deserved 2-0 victory. In the first half, all goals were scored. The win came with a lot of jubilation from the winning team, and the rest of the spectators were jubilant about the victory. The second half saw the Mehamizrach FC struggle to get past the goalkeeper, all to no avail. At the 90th minute, the referee, Aminu, blew the last whistle, declaring the match over.

During a ceremonial post-match activity, Shimom Yaakov Ben Abraham, from Abuja-based Maccabi FCN, received the man of the match award and a certificate from Jator Abido. Subsequently, he delivered concluding remarks, encouraging them to maintain a positive attitude as this crucial football match initiates the journey to bring the first black African team to the Israeli Maccabi Games. The IPJD management also provided refreshments for both teams. The supporters of the home team, as well as the rest of the Abuja Jewish youths, praised the team’s performance, stating, “The win was well deserved, and there was no way Mahamizrach FC would come to their home and collect it from them.”

Further revelations from Shlomo Ben Yaakov, a senior hazan in Gihon Hebrew Synagogue, and also one of the teachers in Camp Sarah taking place in Tikvat Israel Synagogue Abuja, highlighted some of the future plans going forward. 

Youths in Abuja have been involved in active football activities round the year, including training and friendly matches between synagogues in Abuja, and we intend to build a formidable squad that would consist of talented players from other parts of Nigeria.

Shlomo, who recently did the brit milah of his first son, is the team manager of Xriso Sporting Club, an indigenous football club based in Abuja that supports street talents with the intention of developing young players suitable for the European and African football markets.

The choice to name the Abuja-based team Maccabi Football Club of Nigeria was truly inspiring, I’d say. The Maccabi-games is a goal we aspire to, and I have full confidence that the new club’s name will inspire us to push ourselves every day until we proudly represent Nigeria in the Jewish Olympics. I understand that this will not be so easy, but I am committed to leveraging my influence to foster collaboration with the Xriso Sporting Club. Together, we can share training facilities and occasionally train alongside each other to keep the team prepared and fit to favorably compete with other teams in our debut outing in Israel.

Undoubtedly, football is gaining popularity among the Jewish community in Nigeria, making a significant impact on youth development. In December 2023, the Beth Harachman Jewish community in Akwaibom witnessed the emergence of a Jewish football club that participated in a state football competition alongside 24 other teams. The Avraham Ben Avraham Foundation’s donation of jerseys to the Harachman Football Club was highly commendable, as it encouraged the team.

Finally, I had a conversation with Mr. Avraham, the chairman of the A.B.A. Foundation’s board of trustees, and he shared his thoughts on the ambitious plan to secure a West African representative for the Maccabi tournament.

First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to Kulanu for their involvement in not only the jersey donation, but also for their promise to garner significant media exposure for the aspirations of team Nigeria. Be’zrat Hashem, with the involvement of one or two other Jewish organizations and some influencers and negotiators, would make what seemed impossible possible. If not the Maccabi games in 2025, then most likely in 2029.

The post Road to the Maccabi Games: A Nigerian Youth Soccer Team Set to Make Debut in the Jewish Olympics? first appeared on African Jewish Voices.

By: Yerubabel Gideon, Captain of MeHamizrach FC.

Our friends and supporters, it’s a pleasure to reach out to you through these public statements. As captain of MeHamizrach FC and a management executive of our football association, I’m thrilled to announce our preparations for future participation in the Maccabi Games. MeHamizrach FC is Nigeria’s national team, comprised of talented young Jewish players from across our country. Our team represents the unity and passion for football that has long been a cornerstone of our extended communities.

Football has played a crucial role in fostering Jewish unity during our national youth Shabbat event since its inception. These once in a while gatherings bring youth from different parts of Nigeria to a host state, ending in an eagerly anticipated football match between the host state team and a visitors team. The excitement surrounding these games has become a highlight of our community calendar, with tales of the matches we played dominating discussions across Jewish enclaves in Nigeria for weeks afterward.

Our most recent outing on March 23rd in Port Harcourt was a testament to the skill and dedication of our national team. In a thrilling match against the host Rivers state team, MeHamizrach FC emerged victorious with a score of 4-1. This victory has further fueled our ambitions to compete on an international stage, and believe me there is no limitation to what can be achieved and the time to start is right now.

 

 

The Maccabi Games, often referred to as the “Jewish Olympics,” have a rich history dating back to 1932. These games bring together Jewish athletes from around the world to compete in various sports, celebrating both athletic achievement and Jewish unity. With participants from over 70 countries, the Maccabi Games have become one of the world’s largest sporting events. The Maccabi World Union is bringing together more Jews than any organization through sports and education, spanning six continents with 450 clubs and 450k members. No doubt- the Maccabiah is the only event that brings thousands of Jewish people together for an unforgettable experience.

Considering the available window of opportunity, our dream is to become the first Black Jewish team from West Africa to participate in this prestigious tournament. We are pushing hard to make this dream a reality, working tirelessly to improve our skills and secure the necessary support and resources. The prospect of representing Nigeria and our Jewish community on this global stage is incredibly exciting and motivating for our entire team.

As part of our ongoing efforts to prepare and possibly take part in the coming Maccabi Games, I’m pleased to announce an upcoming match on August 4th between MeHamizrach FC and our host team taking place in Abuja. This game will serve as a crucial step in our journey, allowing us to assess our progress and identify areas for improvement.

 

More importantly, this match will play a significant role in the selection process for our Maccabi Games team. We’ll be closely evaluating player performance to ensure we field the strongest possible squad for the international competition. This is an incredible opportunity for our players to showcase their talents and potentially earn a spot on the team that will represent us in Israel.

To all aspiring Jewish football players in Nigeria, I extend an open invitation to join us in this exciting endeavor. Whether you’re an experienced player or just beginning your football journey, we encourage you to reach out and become part of MeHamizrach FC. Your skills and passion could be the missing piece we need to succeed on the international stage.

We also call upon sponsors and supporters within our community and beyond. Your backing is crucial in helping us realize our dream of competing in the Maccabi Games. Whether through financial support, equipment donations, or simply spreading the word about our team, every contribution brings us one step closer to our goal.

Together, we can make history by bringing MeHamizrach FC to the Maccabi Games, showcasing the talent and spirit of Nigeria’s Jewish community to the world. Join us in this exciting journey as we strive to leave our mark on Jewish sports history.

The post MeHamizrach FC: Preparing for the Maccabi Games from Nigeria first appeared on African Jewish Voices.

Dear Management of Beth Harachman Jewish Community,

Subject: Avraham Ben Avraham Foundation’s Donation of Jerseys to Harachman Football Club

We are delighted to extend our warmest greetings to the esteemed management and members of Beth Harachman Jewish Community. On behalf of the A.B.A. Foundation, we are pleased to announce our recent donation of a new set of jerseys to the Harachman Football Club, a commendable youth initiative owned and driven by the Beth Harachman Jewish Community.

The donation comes as a gesture of support and encouragement for the Harachman Football Club as they advance into the next round of the ongoing Godswil Akpabio Victory/Solidarity Football tournament in Akwa Ibom State. It is our honor to contribute to the vibrant energy and passion exhibited by the football club in their pursuit of excellence.

At the A.B.A. Foundation, we recognize the importance of youth empowerment initiatives like the Harachman FC in fostering youth skills development and community growth. Your commitment to these values aligns seamlessly with our mission, and we are proud to stand alongside you in this endeavor.

This donation is a symbol of our dedication to community empowerment and youth development. We believe in the transformative power of sports to inspire and unite communities, and we trust that the Harachman Football Club will continue to serve as a beacon of excellence under the umbrella of the Beth Harachman Jewish Community.

We extend our best wishes to the Harachman Football Club in the upcoming rounds of the tournament. May the jerseys serve as a symbol of unity, determination, and shared purpose as the team progresses in their journey.

Thank you for the invaluable work you do in fostering community growth and youth empowerment. We look forward to continued collaboration and shared successes.

Shalom,

Avraham Ben Avraham
President, [A.B.A. Foundation]
www.aba-foundation.org

The post AVRAHAM BEN AVRAHAM FOUNDATION’S DONATION OF JERSEYS TO HARACHMAN FOOTBALL CLUB first appeared on African Jewish Voices.