Minutes of a Jewish Agency Meeting of Institutions on Issues Concerning the Inaugural Maccabiah Games, Jewish Agency Offices, Jerusalem  

(1 January 1932)

Record Group, KKL5, Central Zionist Archives, Jerusalem, Israel

Participants:

The Jewish Agency:  Dr. Arlosoroff, Mr. Y. Gordon and M. Shertok. 

The National Committee: Dr. A. Katzenelson.

The Council for Physical Culture: Ms. Henrietta Szold.

The City of Tel Aviv: Mr. M. Dizengoff.

JNF: Mr. Epstein and Mr. Ezrahi.

Keren Hayesod: Mr. L. Herman

Maccabi Association: Mr. Aluf, Mr. Arazi, Mr. Nadav and Mr. Netanel.

Management of the Oriental Fairgrounds: Mr. A. Yevzerov

The Bureau of Zionist Tourism: Mr. Greehott

LLoyd Insurance, Palestine: Mr. V. Tornovsky.

Dr. Arlosoroff: Announces at the opening of the meeting and the affirmative decision of the Management of the Jewish Agency towards the Maccabiah Games. He also relates to the doubts that held back the final decision: Apprehension about negative political ramifications; lack of confidence in the proper behavior of the youth who would come from overseas to attend the Games; financial difficulties; lack of proper stadium in Tel Aviv and administrative problems. He then details the reasons that led to the affirmative decision: The Zionist value of the Maccabiah Games; Its possible contribution to the awakening of youth in the Diaspora; the positive economic prospects for the Yishuv.

In a conversation which he had with the Secretary General of the (Mandatory) Government it became clear that the Government maintains its positive attitude towards the Maccabiah. However, it is still necessary to wait for the conclusion of the negotiation over some issues. 

In his conversation with the High Commissioner Mr. Arlosoroff proposed to him to assume the position of the Honorary President of the Games. The High Commissioner promised to consider this offer and added that even if he does not accept it he hopes that he would still be welcome when he will attend the games. 

With regard to the participation of Arab Sports Clubs in the Games, the High Commissioner responded that it would be easier for him to assume the position of Honorary President if such clubs will be invited to participate in the Games, even if they decide to reject the invitation. The issue of the participation of sports clubs from Syria, Egypt and local Arab clubs, as well as British clubs has been considered all along. The Maccabi Central Committee in Berlin expressed a positive attitude towards that issue. There are also the ongoing negotiations with Ha’poel Sports Association about their participation in the Games. There is a need to clarify all these matters and set a special committee that will be responsible to settle all issues. The Jewish Agency appoints Mr. Y. Gordon as its proxy in that body. 

Mr. Arazi: Presents the memorandum that was prepared for this meeting by Maccabi. He adds the following information: The Maccabi Council that met in Prague, has already decided to invite Arab sports clubs from here and from neighboring Arab countries to participate in the Games. The invitations will be done in consultation with the Jewish Agency. The decision about Ha’poel will be made in few days, following the arrival of the Maccabi representative from Berlin. In the meantime representative of Ha’poel are already involved in the activities of the Games’ Organizing Committee. The Jewish Agency welcomes the appointment of Mr. Gordon.

Dr. Katznelson: He reports that the Council for Physical Culture has been negotiating with Ha’poel eith regards to the conditions its for participation. There was one issue that was adamantly rejected by Maccabi – that of allowing Ha’poel to share the responsibility of organization of the Games. Dr. Katzenelson expressed his objection to the intention of Maccabi to tie   the Games with the dates that commemorate the Bar-Kochbah uprising.

Mr. Dizengoff: Sides with Dr. Katzenenlson on issue of the Bar-Kochbah’s memorial date. He supports the invitation of Arab sports clubs to the Games. The invitation should be extended by Macaabi and not by any other Institution. The Games itinerary should be published in Arabic too. Arrangements should be made for the expected large number of the Maccabiah’s participants and other guests. There is a need to secure rooms also in hotels in Jerusalem and in the small towns. Also, a permanent shuttle service should be established between these places and Tel Aviv (where the Games will take place). There is a need to arrange collective visas. This will save time and troubles for the guests and will be less costly. 

Mr. Aluf: Welcomes this meeting in which all the relevant national Institutions get together to promote the physical culture in Israel. But he maintains unanimity of opinions is not sufficient. There is a need for actual assistance. The Maccabi main demand has been articulated in the last paragraph of the memorandum. Namely, securing the necessary budget for the Games. The JNF had previously promised five hundred pounds on the condition that Keren Hayesod will match that sum. However, the refusal of Keren Hayesod to provide the money resulted in the withdrawal of the JNF. There is currently a huge YMCA center that is being built in Jerusalem. This center might attract hordes of Jewish youth because of its sports facilities and cultural activity. It is the obligation of the national Institutions to build an independent place that will prevent such danger. A successful organization of the Maccabiah Games may serve as a financial foundation for such purpose. 

Mr. Epstein: Clarifies that the JNF commitment is still in force. He conditions it with an equal contribution to be made by both Keren Hayesod and the Jewish Agency. The JNF 500 pounds should constitute one third and not one half of the contribution. 

He maintains that there is a need to relate to some organizational matters that have no easy solutions. It is imperative to set an educational program in the country on how to make the Maccabiah Games a positive experience for its guests. He reminds the participants of the opening ceremonies of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem which have left a lasting bad impression because there were not enough provisions for proper accommodations and many visitors were exploited. 

Mr. Yevzerov: Relates to the financial issue. He maintains that it’s necessary to distinguish between regular expenses and those expenses that are aimed to generate future income. This necessitates clear estimate of the expected income from the Maccabiah Games. Such assessment will enable to solve the budgetary uncertainties. As for the scope of the participation in the Games, it’s not only the question of Ha’poel but also that of the Trumpeldor Alliance (Beitar). Beitar had already expressed its willingness to take part in the Games. 

Dr. Katzenelson: The speaker raises the question whether Tel Aviv Municipality should participate in the expenses, since it has special economic interest in the event. 

Mr. Netanel: Demands to receive an answer from the Jewish Agency if it will put money for the Games. 

After further clarification, the following resolution was passed: Proxies of the interested Institution will join the Maccabiah Games’ Organizing Committee. The budget issue will be discussed in that committee. 

Dr. Arlosoroff: He summarizes the matters that will be transferred into the responsibility of the Organizing Committee:

A. The budget.

B. Hapoel participation.

C. The invitation of Arab and British sports clubs. 

D. Coordinating between the City of Tel Aviv and the Oriental Fairgrounds.

E. Articulate the demands from the Jewish Agency.

F. Make Plans for visitations, exhibits, shows etc.

Archive File Central Zionist Archives #: A 202/119