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- Title
Sports organizations and their activities for youth in Jaffa in the 1950s.
- Authors
Furman, B.
- Abstract
Following the establishment of the State of Israel, thousands of immigrants arrived in the country; yet they were not always greeted with open arms by the veteran settlers who already lived in Israel. The latter were concerned that great economic burden would be placed on the country, in addition to the serious security issues that it was incurring. They also worried about having to deal with a population who had lived through the horrors of the Holocaust and was greatly affected by it - both physically and mentally. In addition, cultural barriers and other issues were at play, including increased rates of unemployment, which rendered these new immigrants with an abundance of free time yet little money to spend. The authorities were concerned that this would lead to an increase in anti-social and criminal activities, including gambling, prostitution, and drinking. One means for combatting such undesirable activities was sports. Indeed, the four main sports organizations at that time - Hapoel, Maccabi, Beitar, and Elizur - decided to hold sporting activities in immigrant neighborhoods. Yet their desire to introduce sporting activities stemmed not only from their striving to decrease undesirable social activities, but also as a means for achieving political gains. Indeed, these sports organizations perceived immigrants - especially younger ones - as an electoral target audience who would one day join their ranks. Sports was an especially effective tool for doing so, as it employed an international language, regardless of education, language, or culture. In most areas, Hapoel had the upper hand; except for in Jaffa, that was populated mainly by new immigrants from Bulgaria, and where Maccabi was "in the lead." The aim of this novel article is to describe the activities of the various sports organizations in Jaffa, with an emphasis on those factors that led to the success of the Maccabi organization. The findings are based on archival materials, media articles, and interviews with former athletes.
- Subjects
ISRAEL; SPORTS administration; YOUTHS' attitudes; IMMIGRANTS; UNEMPLOYMENT
- Publication
Bitnuaa Movement, 2024, Vol 14, Issue 2, pVII
- ISSN
0792-6391
- Publication type
Article