It’s a topic we care passionately about: racism and discrimination of any kind have no place at Borussia Dortmund. We take a clear and unequivocal stand against right-wing extremism and despicable slogans each and every day through our work. The German Football Association (DFB) has now recognised this commitment with the Julius Hirsch Award (2nd place).

“With their joint project “Memorial Visit to Lublin“, Borussia Dortmund, the fan and funding department, the fan project and the Steinwache Memorial  have set a remarkable example of remembrance and commemoration, while at the same time distancing themselves publicly from right-wing extremism,” it says in a personal statement by Wolfgang Niersbach, president of the German FA.

On this trip, BVB supporters between the age of 17 and 67 years visited the Polish town of Lublin to search for traces of 800 Jews from Dortmund who were deported in 1942. “The jury was not only impressed that the club decided to organise memorial visits, but also how sophisticated and determined it was planned, executed and evaluated afterwards with the local partners,” the jury said in its citation on Tuesday.

“We consider this award as confirmation of our commitment and feel more motivated than ever to continue and intensify our work against racism and discrimination,” BVB president Dr. Reinhard Rauball and BVB CEO Thomas Tress said in a joint statement.

For many years Borussia Dortmund have organised visits to memorial sites - they are only a part of BVB’s overall commitment in this matter of the heart.