Germany's Philipp Lahm, second from left, and Germany's Piotr Trochowski, left, celebrate after winning their World Cup match against England in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on June 27, 2010. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) © 2010 AP
In a small artsy bar in a country founded in the aftermath of the Nazi Holocaust, a crowd lurchingly followed the World Cup game between Germany and England. Something deeply counterintuitive was happening: Israelis were cheering for Germany.
The unlikely scene is being repeated in neighborhood pubs across the Jewish state. It isn't in every bar, and certainly Israelis argue among themselves if it's OK to support the German team. Many say they still feel weird cheering for Germany — but it's happening.
It demonstrates how far Israel-Germany relations have moved on since the Jewish state was founded. Israelis support Germany for the same reason fans around the world do: They are one of the competition's strongest teams, with beautiful footwork, aggressive strikers and a no-nonsense defense.
The unlikely scene is being repeated in neighborhood pubs across the Jewish state. It isn't in every bar, and certainly Israelis argue among themselves if it's OK to support the German team. Many say they still feel weird cheering for Germany — but it's happening.
It demonstrates how far Israel-Germany relations have moved on since the Jewish state was founded. Israelis support Germany for the same reason fans around the world do: They are one of the competition's strongest teams, with beautiful footwork, aggressive strikers and a no-nonsense defense.
The passing of time and Germany's consistent public contrition for the Holocaust has softened many Israelis. And Germany's strong political support for Israel at a time when the country feels like the target of international hostility makes their soccer team more endearing.
In the funky Uganda Bar in downtown Jerusalem, the game was screened in a tiny room with a sheet covering the window to block out the sun. Chain-smoking fans hooted as Germany scored goal after goal. One of the patrons was Ziv Rotfogel, the 33-year-old grandchild of Holocaust survivors.
In the funky Uganda Bar in downtown Jerusalem, the game was screened in a tiny room with a sheet covering the window to block out the sun. Chain-smoking fans hooted as Germany scored goal after goal. One of the patrons was Ziv Rotfogel, the 33-year-old grandchild of Holocaust survivors.
"I don't treat the German people or the German nation the way my grandfather and grandmother do," Rotfogel said. "They have carried out the deepest soul searching for the biggest crime ever committed. They are dealing with the subject," he said.
Like other Israelis interviewed, Rotfogel said he initially felt strange cheering on Germany. He said he still couldn't wave their flag.
It was the same in another tiny Jerusalem bar, the Slow Moshe, where in an earlier game, four men wearing the knitted skullcaps of religious Jews quietly cheered as Germany thrashed Australia.
Back in the Uganda Bar, Ornit Arnon, 35, said the support of many Israelis for Germany was a nod to a better future. "It's an optimistic approach," she said.
Diaa Hadid is a Jerusalem-based AP correspondent.
Like other Israelis interviewed, Rotfogel said he initially felt strange cheering on Germany. He said he still couldn't wave their flag.
It was the same in another tiny Jerusalem bar, the Slow Moshe, where in an earlier game, four men wearing the knitted skullcaps of religious Jews quietly cheered as Germany thrashed Australia.
Back in the Uganda Bar, Ornit Arnon, 35, said the support of many Israelis for Germany was a nod to a better future. "It's an optimistic approach," she said.
Diaa Hadid is a Jerusalem-based AP correspondent.
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