Digging Deep: The Launch at Loftus Road

London, 3 June 2026 – Last Wednesday, the Tackling Antisemitism in Sport project, a partnership between Maccabi GB and the Office of HM Government’s Independent Advisor on Antisemitism, worked with Creative & Commercial, and author, David Bolchover, to launch David’s new book: Digging Deep.

Digging Deep uncovers the forgotten stories of eleven Jewish footballers from the pre-Holocaust era. Each of these players stood at the forefront of European football, yet their careers and lives were tragically disrupted by the persecution and brutality of the Nazi regime. More than a tribute to these overlooked sporting pioneers, Digging Deep serves as a powerful act of remembrance and a timely warning about the dangers of rising antisemitism. Its message resonates strongly today, as Jewish communities around the world continue to confront many of the same prejudices and challenges.

The evening was hosted by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team at Queens Park Rangers Football Club at the MARTRADE Loftus Road Stadium, and offered a unique chance for all 140 attendees to hear from the author himself, David Bolchover, about the inspiration behind the book, the research it required, and his reflections on the publication.

David commented, “After so many years of research and writing, it was an incredible feeling to finally share some stories of the Jewish footballing icons whose lives were so brutally cut short in the Holocaust and subsequently lost to history."

Maccabi GB’s Chief Executive, Ashley Lerner, shared during the evening: “Digging Deep tells the stories of Jewish footballing greats who were icons of the game, before they were sent for extermination during the Holocaust by the Nazis. They should have been remembered in football history. They should have been part of our shared sporting consciousness. Instead, their lives and legacies were stolen. David’s book helps restore them to their rightful place.”

Creative & Commercial’s Managing Director, Barry Frankfurt, also offered his reflections: “Jewish stories can’t just be heard by Jewish people, our children, our grandchildren. Now it's more critical than ever that these stories are heard by a much wider audience.”

To purchase a copy of Digging Deep, follow the link here.

The Tackling Antisemitism in Sport project is a partnership between Maccabi GB and the Office of Lord Mann, educating and advising the British sporting world about contemporary antisemitism and the British Jewish community. To learn more about the project, click here.