Maccabi versus Hapoel: The Political Divide that Developed in Sports in Eretz Israel, 1926-1935

One of the main elements which characterize Israeli sports is their political and sectarian nature. The first sports association established in Eretz Israel (Mandatory Palestine) was Maccabi. However, the process of politicization in sports began, not with the founding of Maccabi. However, the process of politicization in sports began, not with the founding of Maccabi, but with the establishment of Hapoel which would become its rival. This paper examines the relationship between the two sports associations during the first nine years after the establishment of Hapoel. The political rivalry that developed between the two associations led to the perpetuation of a conflict still in existence to this day. Reprinted by permission of Frank Cass & Co. Ltd.