Chelsea FC and World Jewish Congress to host global summit on antisemitism

Chelsea Football Club and World Jewish Congress have announced they will convene an international summit to fight racism in sports.

The event, to be held in Paris next year, will gather sports ministers and other government officials from around the world, together with the leaders of national football associations, heads of major football clubs, football players, UN agencies, and representatives of civil society.

The announcement was made during an exclusive VIP cocktail reception at Ambassador Ronald Lauder’s New York City home, which was held to promote “Red Card For Hate,” a Chelsea-WJC initiative which aims to promote a global dialogue to combat all forms of hatred in sports.

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said: “Change does not happen overnight, it takes time, education and understanding. We hope that this summit can help set the spotlight on some of the best examples of projects combating discrimination and demonstrate how sports can contribute to a positive change.

Yesterday, WJC and @ChelseaFC kicked off our “Red Card for Hate” initiative to combat antisemitism in sports. Read ESPN’s coverage of the event: https://t.co/f4CEAI8hPJ

Pictured: WJC President Ronald S. Lauder, Director of Chelsea FC Eugene Tenenbaum, and WJC CEO Robert Singer pic.twitter.com/I02y0uUvfj

— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) 18 September 2018

“We also hope that this initiative will encourage more clubs to create their own projects as well as working together with us on joint campaigns and activities.”

WJC President Ronald S. Lauder said: “Today, we are ready to roll out our vision for a unique international summit aimed at freeing sports of hatred, racism, discrimination, and antisemitism, to ensure that the comradery and spirit of sport are embraced with bridges, not divides.

“Chelsea and the World Jewish Congress are working together to lead this critical charge, but we cannot do this alone, this must be a global initiative, and as such, we call on sports ministers around the world to unite in dialogue and cooperation to make this dream a reality.”

The event will allow officials to share their best practices for combating discrimination and set the stage for dialogue and collaboration around the issue. They will also aim to create a network dedicated to enhance the fight against racism and antisemitism in sports, primarily in soccer.

LISTEN to this week’s episode of the Jewish Views podcast: