Hirsch, Julius

Sport:
soccer

Country Represented:
Germany

Years Competed:
1912

Olympic Info:
Hirsch played for the German soccer team as a winger at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. A starter in the first game, Hirsch played well, but the Germans lost to Austria, 5-1. In consolation play Germany defeated Russia, 16-0, in the first round. Although Hirsch did not play against the Russians, the other Jewish player on the team, Gottfried Fuchs tied the international record with 10 goals in the contest. Hirsch returned to the starting line-up in Germany's next game against Hungary (which had three Jews on the team). Germany lost, 3-1, and officially finished in seventh place.

Career Highlights:
The first Jew to ever play for the German National team, Hirsch played appeared in seven international matches between 1911-1913 alongside club teammate Gottfried Fuchs (both played for Karlsruher FV). After retiring in 1925, Hirsch turned to coaching, but was expelled from the Karlsruher club in 1933 after the Nazis rose to power. He left the country for France and coached in Alsace in 1937 and 1938 while also working as an accountant. Returning to Germany soon after, Hirsch was sent to Auschwitz in March of 1943. In 1950, a district court in Karlsruher proclaimed Hirsch's date of death as May 8, 1945.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. April 7, 1892 - d. May 8, 1945

Origin:
Achern, Germany

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