TIGRE, Argentina (JTA) — For the first time in nearly 60 years, a Jewish soccer club will compete in Argentina's national soccer tournament.
The club, Nautiko Hakoaj, used their victory in the first round of the competition to pay tribute to Israel.
The team represents Hakoaj (Hebrew for “power”), a prominent Jewish community center and sports club in Tigre, a city in the northern province of Buenos Aires. Argentine tennis star Diego Schwartzman got his start at Hokoaji and named the tennis facility after him in 2021.
Nautico Hakoaj is the first Jewish club to compete in a 14-team amateur promotional tournament since Buenos Aires' Hebrea Maccabi organization became undefeated champions in 1967. This tournament, despite its name, is a professional tournament and is part of the lowest tier. Belongs to the Argentine National Football Association.
“Hakoaj is proud to represent the Argentine Jewish community in this tournament,” Sebastian Salmun, Hakoaj's football secretary, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “This is also another opportunity to make our position clear: We will defend Israel every minute and demand justice and the release of all those kidnapped by terrorism.”
Hakoji won their first match of the tournament on February 25, defeating Atlético Pilar 3-2. After the victory, Hakoaj's players recalled the October 7th Hamas surprise attack on Israel and said, “No Olvidamos. Am Yisrael Jai,” in Spanish, “We have not forgotten. The Jews are alive.” ”
Hakaoji's victory was featured on ESPN.
ESPN's Instagram account highlighted Hakaoji's victory, touting it as a “historic” moment in Argentine soccer. The post also mentioned the importance for Jews of Hakoji participating in the tournament.
Hakoaj player Ariel Branfman, who was one of 36 Jewish student-athletes highlighted by JTA this year, scored the team's crucial third goal.
“It was an important game for everyone, not only for the players but also for the Jewish community,” Brunfmann told JTA. “It's important to start with a win and it motivates us to have a good tournament. I think this is a great group of people and personally I'm very happy with this goal. I can’t wait to celebrate with people at home.”
Hakoaj's next match will be on Sunday against Estrella de Beriso at the home stadium named after the late Israeli Prime Minister and President.
