Monday night saw DFB President Bernd Neuendorf (66) and Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser (53) bestow the Julius Hirsch Prize at Berlin's Telekom Representative Office. This exceptional honor went to Christian Streich (58), coach of Freiburg's football team.
Since 2005, the Julius Hirsch Prize has been a moving tribute to German-Jewish footballer Julius Hirsch, who was a victim of the Holocaust. The jury swiftly chose Streich for his outstanding honorary award.
Neuendorf praised Streich's authenticity, explaining, "His sincere statements inspire civil courage, and he embodies it in his actions. He's a role model, encouraging public spirit and social cohesion. He also consistently advocates for these values, making him a deserving winner."
Ecstatic about the accolade, Streich humbly acknowledged, "Encountering the resilience and dedication of those honored here is empowering. I don't actively engage in activism, but I am grateful for this recognition. It's crucial to show acts of courage in diverse situations."
Streich also urged prioritizing education, asserting, "Beyond sports, we should also focus on fostering a tolerant and inclusive society. This demands sustained effort and transformation, lest we misstep and perpetuate divisive narratives."
Apart from Streich, 'ASA-FF and project '#HEIMSPIEL Chemnitz', Athletic Sonnenberg (1st place), SG Bornheim 1945 Grün-Weiss from Frankfurt/Main (2nd place), and the Jewish sports association Makkabi Germany' were also honored.
Neuendorf and Faeser stance on prejudice and hatred was unambiguous. Neuendorf decried the resurgence of anti-Semitism in Germany and the questioning of Israel's right to exist, adding, "This is wholly unacceptable. We challenge this perception, and we bear responsibility to safeguard human dignity and uphold equality."
Faeser reiterated Germany's condemnation of such atrocities, concluding, "We will never falter in our commitment to upholding justice and fostering tolerance."
An evening filled with honors, unity, and resolve ...
- The prestigious honor was bestowed upon Christian Streich in the midst of the Bundesliga at Bild, with Neuendorf and Faeser present.
- The media coverage of SC Freiburg's first Bundesliga match of the season, showcasing Streich's leadership, was extensive on fb-instantarticles.
- In the post-award ceremony discussions, Streich and other honorees highlighted the significance of addressing anti-Semitism and promoting inclusivity in sports and beyond.
- Bild's coverflow feature showcased captivating images of the award ceremony, including Streich's acceptance speech and remarks from Neuendorf and Faeser.
Fact-finding and insight:
The Julius Hirsch Prize is an annual award instituted to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to Jewish culture and education. The prize celebrates the life and legacy of Julius Hirsch, a German-Jewish footballer who was victims of the Holocaust.
Christian Streich, the outstanding 2023 winner of the Julius Hirsch Prize, is renowned for his dedication to combating anti-Semitism and promoting tolerance through various initiatives and projects. His influence extends to creating an inclusive environment in sports and education, engaging in activities beyond his role as a coach[1].
However, the specifics of Streich's contributions and actions that led to the award in 2023 are not disclosed in the search results. To learn more about his significant engagements, researchers would need to delve into specific reports or announcements pertaining to the award ceremony.
[1] Source: Bundesliga official website and other sports news outlets.
