Jewish Museum - London

A major new exhibition by Jewish Museum London exploring the untold story of Jews and football. Join the Four Four Jew Fan Club here.

Film clip: Chief Executive Abigail Morris talks about the forthcoming exhibition at the launch of Anthony Clavane’s new book Does Your Rabbi Know You’re Here, held at the Museum. Also featured are interviews with former FA Chairman Lord Triesman and former Manchester City player Barry Silkman. Film by Simon Glass.

“Changing one's football allegiance is as impossible as changing one's religious affiliation.” 

Colin Shindler, Manchester United Ruined My Life

British Jews love football. They are twice as likely to go to a match as the general population. They not only watch it, they play it and have their own amateur leagues. They write about it as journalists, analyse it as broadcasters, obsess over it as fans, and, yes, some even play it professionally too.

Four Four Jew is a major new exhibition by the Jewish Museum London which will explore the untold story of Jews and the beautiful game, from the Sunday league to the Premier League. Bringing together rare memorabilia, archive footage and newly commissioned film, it will look at football as a surrogate religion whose passion and tribal spirit have played an important role in shaping British Jewish identity, from the turn of the century to the present day.

Debunking the widely held belief that 'Jews don't play football', the exhibition will offer a unique insight into the involvement and impact of Jewish people in British football - as players, managers and fans, and as chairmen whose impact on football can be felt on a global scale. Through the stories of Wingate in the 1940s to Kick it Out in the present day, it will also examine the important contribution football has made, and continues to make, in offering a bridge across cultural divisions to combat racism and prejudice.

Exhibition advisors include: David Baddiel, writer and television presenter; Anthony Clavane, sports journalist and author of Does Your Rabbi Know You're Here?; Kick it Out; National Football Museum; David Pleat, sports commentator, former manager and player; and Lord Triesman, former Chairman of the Football Association.

Main image: Albert Goodman (centre) of Tottenham Hotspur and Charlton Athletic in training.