Thomas Rose publicly condemned the actions of Israeli supporters during the Raków Częstochowa – Maccabi Haifa match, calling their behavior outrageous and a betrayal of their own nation.
Betrayal of Their Own Nation
In a sharp statement, Thomas Rose, the future U.S. ambassador to Poland, described himself as a proud American Jew and unwavering supporter of Israel who was “angry – outraged, disgusted, and ashamed” at the “shameful display of anti‑Polish hatred” staged by “Maccabi Haifa supporters” in Hungary. He accused them of “deceitful, calculated acts of venomous slander” and stated they were not just enemies of Poland but also “traitors to their own nation.” He warned that in a world “trembling with true enemies of Israel,” such despicable cowardice works to create even more. He urged that these individuals be expelled from Poland.
The Scandal at Raków vs. Maccabi Haifa
During the August 14th match, Israeli fans displayed a banner reading “Killers since 1939.” The incident occurred during the Conference League qualifiers. The Israeli Embassy in Poland condemned the gesture, emphasizing it does not reflect the majority of fans. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski denounced the act and warned that Hungarians who facilitate identification of those responsible would face entry bans to Poland. He reminded that in 1939, Nazi Germany attacked Poland, murdering citizens of all faiths and nationalities. Polish officials thanked Israel’s swift reaction and reiterated condemnation of the act.
Polish Police Intervention
Polish police approached Hungarian authorities to identify the fans who flew the anti‑Polish banner. The Minister of Sport requested UEFA to impose sanctions on Haifa’s club and offenders. Minister of Internal Affairs Marcin Kierwiński also weighed in, supporting the call for accountability.
