Maccabi Games seen as a model for Hungarian identity building
August 9th, 2019The leading pro-government daily lauds the European Maccabi Games organized in Budapest, and suggests that Hungary should also launch a similar global sports competition to strengthen Hungarian identity.
In Magyar Nemzet, Miklós Novák writes that last week’s European Maccabi Games organized in Budapest and financed by the Hungarian government were a great way to strengthen both Jewish identity and the national identity of Jews in Europe. Novák explains that the competition is very inclusive for Jews as it is open to amateur athletes with a single Jewish grandparent. But in the games, competitors’ national identity is also recognized, and winners sing the national anthems of their countries. Novák suggests that Hungary should use the model of the Maccabi Games and launch a global competition for Hungarians living around the world.