Remembering the Legend Who Was Julius Hirsch
Upon his accession to power, in 1933, Adolf Hitler, as then-Chancellor of Germany, initiated the so-called “Aryanization” of all German sporting activities.
Shortly thereafter, the German Football Association ordered the removal of all Jews from official club positions — thus resulting in a nationwide purge of Jewish coaches, board members, and managers.
While many then sought to emigrate, Julius Hirsch was one sporting legend who resolved that “no man nor his diktats” would force him to leave his Fatherland…
Born on this day, in 1892, Julius burst onto the professional footballing scene at the young and spirited age of 17.
As an attacking striker for Karlsruhe FV, his goals led them to championship victory and, as the first-ever Jewish player to be selected for his national team, his incredible scoring prowess won him adulation from all four corners of Germany.
Despite being granted a military exemption, when Kaiser Wilhelm declared war in August 1914, Julius was determined to fulfill his patriotic duty…
