TIGRE, ARGENTINA (JTA) — For the first time in nearly six decades, a Jewish soccer club is competing in an Argentine national soccer tournament.
Hacoaj won its first tournament match Feb. 25, beating Atlético Pilar 3-2. After the victory, Hacoaj’s players posed with a banner displaying Oct. 7, the date of Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel, and the message “No olvidamos. Am Israel Jai,” Spanish for, “We do not forget. The Jewish people live.”
Hacaoj’s victory was covered by ESPN
An ESPN Instagram account highlighted Hacaoj’s win, touting the victory as a “historic” moment in Argentinian soccer. The post also referenced the Jewish significance of Hacoaj’s appearance in the tournament.
Ariel Brunfman, a Hacoaj player who was among JTA’s 36 Jewish student athletes to watch this year, scored the team’s crucial third goal. “It was an important match for everyone — for the players, but also for the Jewish community,” Brunfman told JTA. “Starting with a win is key and a motivation to have a good tournament. I think this is a great group of people and individually, I am very happy with the goal. I cannot wait to celebrate other goals at home with our people.” Hacoaj’s next match is Sunday at its home stadium, named for the late Israeli Prime Minister and President Shimon Peres, against Estrella de Berisso.
