"Berlin's FC Karame is embroiled in conflict, with critics labeling football as a diversion from more pressing issues"
In the heart of Berlin, nestled within the Moabit youth centre, FC Karame stands as a testament to resilience, unity, and cultural pride. Established in 1978, this football club is one of the oldest migrant sports clubs in Germany and plays a significant role in networking for the large Palestinian community in the city.
The club's name, Karame, translates to "dignity" and "pride" in Arabic, reflecting the values it embodies. Founded by Mohamad Zaher, who learned to play football in a refugee camp before coming to Berlin to study, FC Karame provides a platform for young people with similar backgrounds who may have felt unwelcome in other clubs.
Football jerseys adorn many young participants at the workshops, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared identity. The club's emblem incorporates the colours of the Palestinian flag, further emphasising its roots.
FC Karame is not just a sports team; it serves as a vital cultural and social institution for the Arabic-Palestinian community. It fosters a sense of identity and cultural pride rooted in Palestinian heritage, provides youth engagement and social integration opportunities within Berlin, and acts as a social support network offering cultural, educational, and political solidarity activities.
The club also promotes intercultural dialogue and participates in local sports leagues. Notably, FC Karame organises workshops on National Socialism and the history of Jews in Germany at the Moabit youth centre, demonstrating its commitment to fostering understanding and unity.
Anti-Muslim sentiment has risen in Berlin, with 650 anti-Muslim incidents and discriminations reported last year. Despite this, FC Karame continues to thrive, reflecting the resilience and determination of its members.
Recently, the Berlin Football Association (BFV) has acknowledged the need for more focus on Palestinian players and has expressed a desire to strengthen trust-building work towards this community. The BFV also supports prevention and security measures for Jewish teams following an increase in antisemitism in amateur football since October 7, 2023.
Zaher clarifies that FC Karame is not an Arab club, but a club from Berlin, emphasising its local roots and commitment to the city. The club plays in Kreisliga A and hosts its home games in Moabit at the historic Poststadion.
For more detailed and updated information about FC Karame’s specific community role, initiatives, and history, German local news sources, Palestinian diaspora community platforms, or Berlin sports associations might offer richer insights. FC Karame, with its spirit of dignity and pride, continues to be a shining example of community spirit and cultural pride in Berlin.
Sports-analysis reveals that FC Karame's success lies in its ability to combine sports, especially football, with cultural and social initiatives, fostering a sense of identity and unity among the Palestinian community in Berlin. The club's sports-analysis also highlights its commitment to intercultural dialogue and understanding, as evidenced by workshops on German history and the history of Jews in Germany.
