The Chelsea Foundation were invited to present at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva yesterday, as we continue to highlight our efforts to tackle discrimination as part of our No To Hate campaign.
The ‘Combating Antisemitism in and through Sports’ event was hosted by the World Jewish Congress, with Chelsea Foundation joining Theodore Theodoridis, General Secretary of UEFA, as well as representatives of Borussia Dortmund, Feyenoord and Aris Thessaloniki to highlight the power of sport to combat antisemitism and all forms of discrimination.
The event was also attended by UN Ambassadors from across the globe, including the US, UK, Spain, Italy and Argentina, and representatives from a number of UN Agencies.
Simon Taylor, Head of Chelsea Foundation, who spoke at the event, said: ‘It was an honour to be invited to the United Nations alongside some of the leading campaigners tackling antisemitism.
‘We believe football has a unique power, it can inspire, educate and motivate and brings communities together. Chelsea FC and Chelsea Foundation are dedicated to our continued efforts in eradicating discrimination from our game are proud to be leading the way. We want to see a game and communities that are welcoming and open to everyone.’
Earlier this month, Chelsea Foundation joined Borussia Dortmund to host a commemorative service for German footballer Julius Hirsch before our Champions League fixture.
To coincide with the service, Chelsea Foundation donated a mural which featured Julius Hirsch and other footballers who were sent to Nazi concentration camps to the National Holocaust Centre and Museum in Nottingham. The Centre now exhibits a replica to continue educating supporters and wider society on the history and dangers of antisemitism.
This season, Chelsea Foundation in partnership with the centre and Holocaust Educational Trust have also launched an education programme on antisemitism for secondary schools.