Satirical Facebook Page 'Jews Support' Backs Argentina Over Spain in World Cup Final

The satirical Facebook page "Jews Support," active for about a decade, analyzes which national football teams deserve support based on their historical and current relations with the Jewish people. Ahead of the World Cup final on Sunday between Argentina and Spain, the page's manager, Eliad Friedman, expressed a clear preference for Argentina. He cited Spain's troubled history with Jews, including the Inquisition and expulsion, and criticized Spain's current stance toward Israel, noting that Spain has not supported Israel in events like Eurovision and that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is hostile toward Israel. Additionally, Friedman highlighted that Spain's star player, Ansu Fati, celebrated with a Palestinian flag, further distancing support.

In contrast, Argentina is led by President Javier Milei, a strong friend of Israel who has been honored at Israel's Independence Day ceremony on Mount Herzl. Friedman acknowledged that while Argentina is favored due to these factors, the quality of football is separate from political considerations. He noted that teams with closer ties to Jews are not always the best in football, and fans should not base their support solely on the "Jews Support" criteria.

Friedman explained the page's origin as a way to decide whom to support in major tournaments since Israel rarely qualifies. The page considers both historical and current relations, giving the example that while Germany historically was not supported due to the Holocaust, today it would be favored over Iran due to improved relations. Regarding the recent Argentina-England semifinal, Friedman supported Argentina because England has a long history of antisemitism, including early pogroms and blood libels against Jews.

The page continues to engage football fans by blending historical and political context with sports, influencing support decisions in international tournaments.