Israel-Hamas war concerns contribute to rivalry high school football game's postponement: Reports
The annual rivalry high school football game between Cherry Hill East and Cherry Hill West in New Jersey was postponed over concerns relating to the war between Israel and Hamas, according to multiple news reports.
A note posted on the Cherry Hill Public Schools website said the game was postponed "due to recent events impacting our school community."
A letter went out Thursday, Oct. 12, to the district saying the attack on Israel by Hamas and the subsequent retaliation has "rocked" the Cherry Hill community, NJ 101.5 reported.
The letter also mentioned a video that showed a "heated exchange" at Cherry Hill East between students that caused "further concern in the community," according to the NJ 101.5 report.
Here's the full note posted on the Cherry Hill Public Schools website:
Cherry Hill, which has one of New Jersey's highest Jewish populations, has seven synagogues and is home to the Katz Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey.
The winner of the rivalry football game wins The Boot, a trophy in honor of late Cherry Hill educator and administrator Alexander DiBartolomeo.
Cherry Hill West has won 10 straight in the series, but East still clings to a 31-23 overall lead.
Cherry Hill West is 1-6 this season, while Cherry Hill East is 3-4.
The rivalry high school football game, which has been played since 1969, is now scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, at Cherry Hill West.
Cherry Hill West's Dan Lozano lifts "The Boot" as the Lions celebrate their 28-0 win over crosstown rival Cherry Hill East in 2020.
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-- Mike Swanson | swanson@scorebooklive.com | @sblivesports
