Europe’s largest Jewish sporting event is coming to Germany for the first time, bringing more than 2,000 Jewish athletes together from around the world to compete at a site constructed by the Nazis for the 1936 Olympics.

The decision to host the 14th European Maccabi Games in Berlin was a difficult one, organizer Alon Meyer said Monday, but should be seen as a “signal of reconciliation” 70 years after the end of World War II.

The games take place every four years and were last held in Vienna.

This year some 2,300 athletes from 38 countries are expected. Though only Jewish athletes can compete in events, “let’s play together” matches are also being staged with non-Jewish professional and celebrity teams.

(AP)