This is a story about Beitar Jerusalem F.C, a symbol of the right-wing politics. With the country’s largest fan base and the support of Israeli leaders, it’s the only club in the Premier League never to sign an Arab player, a Jewish team in a Jewish state,
Mid-way through the 2012 season, a secretive transfer deal by the owner and Russian businessman Arcadi Gaydamak brought two young Muslim football players from Chechnya into the heart of Israel, the Jewish oriented Beitar Jerusalem F.C. – leading to the most racist campaign in Israeli sport.
Waving the banner “Beitar Forever Pure”, the radical fan base “La Familia” announce that they are going to fight for their principles; no Muslim player can play for Beitar. Teddy stadium becomes lifeless. From the euphoria of trying to win the championships and play in Europe, to the humiliation of losing every game since the Chechens arrived. The team is collapsing, whilst Beitar and its players are forced to confront their personal beliefs through their new teammates.
I saw the silence of the masses surrendered by the extreme, and had the access to see that season from within. I was the first person to welcome Sadaev and Kadiev into Israel and the last to say goodbye.
One season in a life of this team, is a story of Israeli society, personal identity, politics and money. An example for how racism is destroying a team and society from within.
(From the forthcoming documentary and Kickstarter campaign, Forever Pure)