SWC Bestows Fair Play Awards at Maccabi Pan American Games in Buenos Aires

January 5, 2024

Buenos Aires - During the closing ceremony of the Maccabi Pan American Games that took place in Buenos Aires, the Center awarded the “Simon Wiesenthal trophy" to the delegations that were highlighted for Fair Play.

The United States in the Youth Category, Mexico in the Open Category and Argentina in the Master Category received the distinction from the Wiesenthal Center’s Director for Latin America.

 
PHOTO: Delegates from Mexico, Argentina, SWC's Dr. Gelblung and US Delegate
 
The organizers adopted the Wiesenthal Center's “Eleven-Point Program against Racism, Discrimination and Xenophobia in Sports” for the entire competition.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfLfvPO8z7c&t=39s&ab_channel=CentroSimonWiesenthal)

Ariel Isaak, President of the organizing committee stated: “The XV Pan American Maccabee Games have, as one of their main objectives, to be a community legacy. The 11 Points proposed by the Simon Wiesenthal Center summarize values and principles that, not only crossed the competencies of this edition, but that we aspire to be guiding all community activity in the Pan-American sphere.”

 
The Games were developed under the constant request for the release of the hostages that Hamas still holds in captivity, the need to respond with vibrant Jewish community activity to the fears that the terrorists tried to instill after October 7, and the public support for Israel's right to defend itself.

Dr. Ariel Gelblung, Canter’s Director for Latin America added: “Our mentor lived to seek for justice, never vengeance, against the perpetrators of crimes against humanity during the Shoa. The entire community today demands exemplary justice against the criminals who planned, supported and executed the October 7th massacre. That at the end of the event that brought together thousands of athletes, coaches, leaders and families who accompanied from different corners of the world, those who stand out for acting within the rules are awarded with a trophy that bears the name of Simon Wiesenthal is a clear message. as well as a well-deserved tribute.”

For further information, please contact Dr. Ariel Gelblung at +54 9 11 49695365, join the Center on Facebook, or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent directly to your Twitter feed.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is one of the largest international Jewish human rights organizations in the United States. It is an NGO at international agencies including the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the OAS, the Council of Europe and the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino).