My dear Maccabi Friends,
I wanted to write to you all with words of comfort at this most difficult time but I must admit that it is very hard to find words that are appropriate right now.
We all find ourselves in a unique and frightening situation and hour by hour our “normal life” is being withdrawn for a new uncomfortable normal that has not been known for a generation.
Most of Europe is now being locked down and our Maccabi activities having to be cancelled or postponed. This week we were due to hold our second formal Executive meeting in Amsterdam to talk about the extensive work our board and professional team have carried out since we met in January. This was due to include a discussion and then the publishing of the criteria for the European Maccabi Games 2023, but sadly this will now have to wait. We do have a conference call booked for this week to touch base with each other but it’s hard to discuss and debate real detail. We will of course feedback anything of any value to you all.
We continue to work at the transition from the last administration which has taken far longer than it should but hopefully we are now coming towards the end of that process. We will share with you all the findings of the financial review and any further action required in due course.
Here in Holland we have taken the opportunity to replace our day to day programmes with helping and supporting our community that need assistance. We have quickly established a group of over 100 volunteers who are eager to help those who need help with shopping or medical supplies and are currently in self-imposed isolation or of an age where they have been told to avoid public places.
I know many of you are looking to join your local Jewish Communities in helping and supporting those that need it and that is exactly as I would have expected of our people. The Maccabi movement has a proud tradition of helping those in need and I would encourage you all to take postive action in your communities.
If we can be of any assistance in this area please e mail Martin at martin@maccabieurope.com
Let me conclude by saying that this situation is temporary, the big question is of course for how long. Until then we must stick together as one Maccabi family and support and comfort each other and our communities.
We wish you all the best, stay in good health and take care of each other !
With kind regards,
David Beesemer
