Jonny Gould’s Jewish State

151: Dean Furman and Michael Sweetney: fighting antisemitism and racism in sport with the MAX Project

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Episode notes

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Our two guests today are professional sportsmen from two different continents, cultures and sports, united in countering antisemitism in the sports industry.

They’re part of Project Max, who’s MD Eric Rubin was with me in Amsterdam at the European Jewish Association conference, where he moderated a session on fighting antisemitism, racism and intolerance alongside Dean Furman, who played internationally with South Africa and Michael Sweetney, NBA Star for the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls. 

Dean was one of only four professional Jewish players plying their trades in the English game during his career.

At one point three of them were teammates together at Oldham! You’ll hear about that. 

And Dean had a great career, starting off as a youngster at Chelsea, joining Rangers in Scotland with spells at Oldham, Doncaster and in South Africa with SuperSport United.

Dean was born in Cape Town and left for Edgware as a child with his family, went to JFS. 

He made his Bafana Bafana debut - against Brazil - in São Paulo! Opposite Hulk, Neymar, David Luiz Oscar and Marcelo.

Also with us in Amsterdam was ex-NBA star, Michael Sweetney, who cuts a striking 6 ft 8 inches tall and 348 lbs.

Mike's now assistant coach of the Yeshiva University Macabees Men's basketball team and head coach of the girls varsity team at New York's Ramaz School.

This is a mensch in full flight. Listen closely to his humility and in particular to the education he got at home from his own father.

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