MACCABI Australia Incorporated (MAI) has given clubs until the end of 2010 to comply with its constitution and ensure their playing lists are exclusively Jewish.

The origins of a world sports organization named after Judea the Maccabee, harks back to the foresight of young European Jews, towards the end of the 19th century. They saw the formation of a national movement as an integral part of the dream of a national home in Palestine. These youths advocated a real change in the lifestyle of Jews, especially concerning the physical condition of Ghetto Jews.

The Promised Land
Picture courtesy of Internet

The basic premise behind the founding of these clubs was of Jewish nationalism. The concept was that Jews were not only a religious entity, but also one based on a common historical and social background, having special cultural and psychological concepts that have been preserved to this day, resulting in a strong recognition of collective belonging.

So, contemporary Australian-style multiculturalism makes it to the very Maccabi grounds at last.

Does this decision tackle, for instance, Jewry’s traditional employment problems, for professionally qualified to work outside community-ghettos, in Melbourne / Australia especially?