Borussia Dortmund and Talia Zomer to Address Antisemitism at New York Summit
Borussia Dortmund executive Daniel Lörcher and Israeli footballer Talia Zomer will speak at the Israel Hayom conference in New York, addressing sports, antisemitism, and Jewish identity.
Since the outbreak of the war on October 7, the international sports arena has increasingly become a battleground for rising antisemitism and hostility toward Israel. Israeli teams and national squads have frequently been forced to play their home matches abroad, while European stadiums have occasionally witnessed hostile chants directed against Israel and Jewish communities.
Borussia Dortmund and the Fight Against Racism
Yet, amid this troubling phenomenon, certain sports clubs and professionals have chosen to take a firm stand against bigotry. A prominent example is the German football club Borussia Dortmund, which has long implemented educational initiatives focusing on Holocaust memory and the fight against antisemitism. Daniel Lörcher, former head of corporate responsibility at Borussia Dortmund and currently the club's anti-discrimination officer, has been a leading figure in these efforts.
Lörcher, a co-founder and director of the organization What Matters, has spent years promoting educational activities through football to counter antisemitism, racism, and discrimination. Since October 7, the club has also engaged in initiatives supporting Israel and communities affected by the attacks. Lörcher is scheduled to speak at the upcoming second annual Israel Hayom conference in New York.
Israeli Representation in American Soccer
Joining the conference is Talia Zomer, one of the most prominent Israeli female footballers in recent years. At 22, Zomer made history by becoming the first Israeli player to join the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) after signing with NJ/NY Gotham FC. Today, she plays for the New York club and the Israeli national team, frequently supported by local Israeli fans at her matches.
"Sport has the unique power to bridge divides and foster understanding, representing identity on a global stage," noted sports advocates ahead of the event.
Zomer will share her experiences as an Israeli athlete competing in New York, discussing the intersection of sports, identity, and national representation during these challenging times.
Sport as a Tool for Connection
Topics including sports, antisemitism, Jewish identity, and utilizing the playing field as a tool for connection rather than conflict will take center stage at the conference. The event will take place on November 11 at the InterContinental New York Times Square, bringing together prominent figures from Israel and the United States, Jewish organization leaders, business executives, and leading personalities from society, security, economy, technology, and sports.
