Ladies and gentlemen,

Sports unites people, countries and cultures in a unique way. This is exactly what Europe’s biggest Jewish sports event, the EMG2015, is doing. More than 2,000 athletes from 30 countries will compete in sports for 10 days, make friends and share a unique experience. The European Maccabi Games celebrate Jewish life in the midst of Europe and invite everyone to join. Sports have the ability to generate enthusiasm amongst athletes and spectators at the same time. I am sure, that this enthusiasm will be felt throughout Germany, Europe and the world during the EMG2015.

Jewish athletes competing in the German capital, is a unique event, which is finally taking place in Germany for the first time. The number of different disciplines, as well as the diverse supporting program lets us anticipate diverse and exciting games.

In light of the German past during the National Socialism and especially the exclusion of Jewish athletes at the Olympic Games 1936 in Berlin, it is a delight to welcome Jewish athletes from all European nations in the Olympic Park Berlin.

I am honored to be the ambassador of the European Maccabi Games 2015 in Berlin. I am eagerly awaiting Europe’s biggest Jewish sports event in Berlin.

Kind regards

Marcel Reif