Chelsea launch ‘Say no to Antisemitism’ campaign

2021-02-16Last Updated: 2022-08-18

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Chelsea have announced the launch of the club’s ‘Say No to Antisemitism’ website, a brand-new platform for all the club’s updates, events and resources centred around antisemitism campaign.

Antisemitism is hostility to, prejudice, or discrimination against Jews. A person who holds such positions is called an antisemite. Antisemitism is generally considered to be a form of racism.

“There can be no place in our game, nor our society, for antisemitism or any form of discrimination – and we remain determined to continue to raise awareness and provide the resources needed to inspire others around us to join this vital cause.” the club said via its website.

The ‘Say No’ website forms part of Chelsea FC’s wider ‘Say No to Antisemitism’ campaign, funded by club owner Roman Abramovich, which launched in 2018 to raise awareness of and educate the club’s players, staff, fans and the wider community about antisemitism.

The long-term initiative forms part of the club’s on-going inclusion work, through the Chelsea Foundation’s Building Bridges campaign.

Abramovich’s family is Jewish and are from Tauragė, Lithuania, with the Lithuanian spelling of the family name being Abramavičius. His father Arkady (Aron) Abramovich (1937–1970) was a state office manager, while his grandfather Nahim (Nahman) Abramovich (1887–1942) was a businessman.

Visitors to the site will be able to learn about Chelsea’s antisemitism programmes and community events, with recent activity highlighted including, the clubs powerful pre-match light display tribute for Holocaust Memorial Day, commemorating the Olympic athletes who died at the hands of the Nazi’s during the Holocaust, as well as recent collaboration with artist Solomon Souza on the ongoing ’49 Flames’ campaign and ongoing work with other organisations and partners.

Bruce Buck, Chelsea FC Chairman commented on the launch:

‘Since we started our ‘Say No To Antisemitism’ campaign, we have become convinced that education is absolute key to changing attitudes and make a difference. In the next stage of our campaign, we have developed this new website to make the educational resources of our campaign easily accessible for all, and hopefully encourage more people to join this important cause.’