Abba Naor, 98, visits FC Bayern Campus

FC Bayern has held a number of contemporary witness talks with Holocaust survivor Abba Noar in the past as part of its ‘Red against Racism’ initiative – last year, 150 employees put their smartphones down for two hours as they listened intently to his life story at Säbener Straße. This year, the 98-year-old was a guest at the FC Bayern Campus on two occassions: for an exclusive talk with around 100 drawn members and employees, and for another with over 100 academy talents from various sections of the club.

“FC Bayern is an example, both on and off the field, and I’m proud to be invited back time and again,” said Naor. “I’ve been telling my story for over 30 years: I’m not an actor, and I hope that the people who listen to me will become better people. Whether they’re adults or young people, it makes no difference to me.” But young people must fill the future with life and stay informed about what’s happening in the world, he continued: “The past affects us all. It’s important to say the right thing at the right time. My message is what I’ve also passed on to my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: you have to stay human!” How did he feel about his audience? Naor: “It was an honour that they listened to me. In the end, my story isn’t that important – what matters is what they learn from it.” Regarding the FCB talents, the Bayern fan added with a smile: “I’m sure they’ll all become very good players one day.”

Before the contemporary witness talk, attended by staff members and club members selected at random from over 300 applicants at the *1900 clubhouse, Herbert Hainer addressed those present in a video message. “FC Bayern has a social responsibility, not least because of its history and our former president Kurt Landauer, who once fled the Nazis and later returned to rebuild the club,” explained the president. “Abba Naor survived the horrors of the Nazi era – he had to endure unspeakable suffering – and yet today, like Landauer in his time, he stands for reconciliation. Such individuals show what history does to us – and above all, what we must learn from it.” 

Benny Folkmann, managing director of FC Bayern e.V., explained the background behind such events in his welcome: “FC Bayern is aware of its role and power as one of the biggest clubs in the world – we want to set an example. We launched the ‘Red against Racism’ initiative six years ago to take a stand against discrimination of any kind and against anti-democratic forces. An evening like tonight fosters dialogue and an understanding of our responsibility rooted in German history.” After Naor’s presentation, those in attendance took the opportunity to speak with the 98-year-old about his life. “I invite you all to my 100th birthday,” he said at the end with a laugh.

Following the second talk with the FCB youngsters in the sports hall at the Campus – where Michael Wiesinger (head of sport and youth development), former German basketball international and current FCB youth coach Danilo Barthel as well as honorary committee member Marcus Preißinger were also in attendance – an impressed second vice president Walter Mennekes summarised: “I’ve never seen such a young audience listen silently for two hours like that. When you looked in their faces, you saw how moved they all were.”

In his opening remarks, Mennekes explained to the young people that “the time when the Nazis ruled Germany was a time of horrific atrocities, of absolute terror, of darkness. That must never happen again!” His appeal: “Look into the faces of your teammates. You are a strong community that stands for values: tolerance, diversity and openness to the world. Every person enriches our team, no matter where they come from or where their roots lie. I would like to ask you: take the story of Abba Naor home with you – and pass it on! When we stop telling the story, others begin to forget. We all have a responsibility here to do our part.” 

As a thank-you, Naor was invited to a basketball match at SAP Garden as well as receiving a Bayern jersey signed by the Campus talents – a symbol of those who will carry on his legacy in the spirit of FC Bayern.

More information on ‘Red against Racism’: