Alon Meyer, President of MAKKABI Deutschland and TuS Makkabi Frankfurt, Receives the Cross of Merit, First Class, of the Federal Republic of Germany

Arne Scholz
Education Officer, MAKKABI Germany e.V.

Alon Meyer, President of MAKKABI Germany, has been awarded the Cross of Merit, First Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in recognition of his long-standing and extraordinary commitment to Jewish life in Germany, his fight against antisemitism, and his work for social cohesion and democratic values.

For many years, Meyer has shaped MAKKABI as a visible, self-confident and open part of German society. His work is rooted in the conviction that change does not happen on its own. This conviction was also shaped by his father, who founded MAKKABI Germany in 1965 and taught him that people must actively create the change they want to see.

Meyer understands the award not only as a personal honor, but above all as recognition of all those who work daily to support Jewish life, democracy, solidarity and an open society in Germany. For him, the distinction also serves as an incentive to continue on this path, even when it is difficult.

The Cross of Merit was ceremonially presented by Hessian Minister President Boris Rhein on the new Makkabi Campus in Frankfurt-Ginnheim. The award had been conferred by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

For Meyer, receiving this honor on the Makkabi Campus was of particular personal significance. The campus stands for what MAKKABI aims to achieve in a broader sense: a place that is Jewish, self-confident and open to all who share its values. It is a space that builds bridges, strengthens social cohesion and creates an environment in which people can feel safe, acknowledged and welcome.

The award came in a year in which MAKKABI Germany also celebrated a historic Maccabiah in Israel. The German-Jewish delegation was the largest and also most successful European delegation at this year’s Games, more than doubelling its own record with a total of 128 medals including 20 gold, 33 silver and 75 bronze medals.

Yet the Maccabiah is far more than a competition. It is a place of Jewish strength, global connection and living remembrance. For the German Maccabeans, representing Germany openly and proudly as Jewish athletes was a powerful experience, especially for the youngsters. The exchange with Jewish athletes from around the world gave the delegation strength in difficult times. After two weeks of visible, self-confident Jewish life in Israel, the task now is to carry this strength back to Germany – into clubs, teams and communities.

A recognition of all those who work daily to support Jewish life, democracy, solidarity and an open society.

Especially against the backdrop of recent years, which have been extremely difficult for Jewish communities worldwide and also in Germany, Alon Meyer’s receiving the Cross of Merit, First Class, carries a broader message. It is a sign of recognition for Jewish life in Germany and for those who refuse to accept antisemitism as a normal part of everyday life.

At the same time, Meyer is well aware that no award can provide protection should anti-democratic forces come to power. His family history is a constant reminder of this. In 1934, his grandfather tried to convince his brothers to flee Nazi Germany with him. Two of them believed they were safe because they had received the Iron Cross during the First World War. They were later murdered in the gas chambers. This history continues to shape Meyer’s determination to defend democracy, Jewish visibility and social responsibility. Antisemitism must be confronted by all of us here and now; only in this way can we ensure that Jews and Jewish sport will become and stay a natural and unquestioned part of Germany in the future.

Photo credit: MAKKABI Germany - Dani Davarashvilli