Set to take place from July 8 to 22, this year’s games are expected to be the largest ever, hosting more than 10,000 athletes from approximately 80 countries. In the wake of the October 7 massacre and the ongoing Swords of Iron war, this Maccabiah carries a particularly powerful message of unity and resilience.
A Bit of History—and the Bar Kokhba Connection
The vision for the Maccabiah began with Yosef Yekutieli (1897–1982), who became a key figure in Israeli sports. He was later awarded the Herzl Prize in 1954 and the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement in 1979.
As a teenager, Yekutieli came across a booklet about the 1912 Stockholm Olympics and was inspired by Jewish athletes who had competed and won medals for other countries. He asked himself: why shouldn’t athletes from the Land of Israel have the same opportunity?
After World War I, Yekutieli continued his efforts through the Maccabi movement. When the International Olympic Committee denied his request—saying athletes without a nation could not compete—he resolved to create a “Jewish Olympics.”
At the 1929 Maccabi Congress in Czechoslovakia, Yekutieli delivered a speech that led to the approval of the first Maccabiah, to be held in 1932—marking 1,800 years since the Bar Kokhba Revolt.
In his address, Yekutieli said:
“Beyond the athletic competition, there must also be a national component. The young Jewish athletes coming to Eretz Yisrael for the Maccabi Games will breathe the air of the homeland, hear the vibrant Hebrew language, and return home full of strength and spirit to continue serving their people in the Diaspora—until their time comes to make Aliyah… Our gathering must include art and literary competitions and exhibitions of Jewish creativity, adding beauty and depth to the event.”
The First Maccabiah (1932)
Held in March 1932, the inaugural Maccabiah brought together 390 Jewish athletes from 18 countries—including 60 from Arab nations. The grand opening ceremony took place at the new Maccabiah Stadium in northern Tel Aviv and included a parade of delegations waving various flags, among them Herzl’s, with participants from Latvia, Bulgaria, the U.S., Syria, and Egypt. Tel Aviv, then a small city of just 50,000 residents, warmly hosted the visitors in homes and classrooms.
Despite limited equipment and infrastructure, all events went ahead as planned. Competitions included swimming in Haifa’s port, athletics in Tel Aviv, and a 10,000-meter beach run. The games featured 16 sports, with Poland finishing first in the overall medal count. The event lasted three days and closed with a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Bilu movement and the founding of Israel’s first agricultural settlements.
Maccabiah 2025: Unity in the Wake of October 7
The Maccabiah has expanded significantly over the years. As mentioned, the 2025 edition will be the largest in history, with over 10,000 athletes from roughly 80 nations.
In light of October 7 and under the theme More Than Ever, this year’s Maccabiah will highlight the strength of Jewish unity and the enduring connection between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.
A special partnership with the IDF Disabled Veterans Organization will be a key part of this year’s event. Veterans will be involved as employees, volunteers, and speakers at official ceremonies. Paralympic athletes will compete in a variety of sports, including swimming, tennis, table tennis, wheelchair basketball, and hand-cycling.
Another significant initiative involves collaboration with the Tribe of Nova Foundation Community and related NGOs. Survivors of the October 7 massacre and their families will take part in the Maccabiah in various staff and support roles.
Maccabiah 2025: From North to South
This year’s games will expand to more cities than ever before. For the first time, Tel Aviv–Jaffa will be one of the host cities. Each location will specialize in a specific category:
- Jerusalem – Open category
- Haifa – Junior category
- Herzliya – Masters category
Additional competitions will take place in Hadera, Daliyat al-Karmel, and other locations, with a focus on engaging communities in both northern and southern Israel.
The opening ceremony will be held at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem on July 10, with the closing ceremony scheduled for July 21 in Tel Aviv.
Beyond stadiums and sports halls, Maccabiah 2025 will feature events that blend athletics, nature, and heritage. On July 18, a 100-kilometer cycling race will take place in the western Negev, passing through Re’im and the Sderot police station—symbols of resilience and renewal. Other events, including sprint triathlons and open water swimming, will take place in the Emek HaMaayanot region, at locations such as Gan HaShlosha (Sakhne) and the Asi River.
Maccabi Run events will showcase Israel’s scenic beauty, featuring a sunset race along the Herzliya coastline, a night run through Jerusalem’s historic landmarks like the Knesset and Rose Garden, and an eco-park race in Hadera. A trail run in Daliyat al-Karmel will follow the Shvil HaBanim trail, commemorating fallen Druze IDF soldiers, and will conclude with a festive traditional Druze reception.
Maccabiah Ambassadors: Champions of Excellence, Zionism, and Global Inspiration
For the first time, Maccabiah 2025 will feature an official team of ambassadors. According to the Maccabiah website:
“These ambassadors are leaders in their fields, with impressive accomplishments and a deep love for Israel. They embody the Maccabiah spirit and the connection between sport, excellence, and Zionism. Each one brings a story of perseverance and serves as an inspiration to Jewish athletes and youth worldwide.”
The Maccabiah 2025 Ambassadors:
- Peter Paltchik – Olympic bronze medalist, European champion, and world judo medalist.
- Raz Hershko – Olympic silver medalist in Paris 2024, current European champion, and world medalist.
- Assaf Yasur – Paralympic taekwondo gold medalist in Paris 2024, two-time world and European champion.
- Moran Samuel – Former basketball player turned elite rower, Paralympic gold medalist in Paris 2024, silver medalist in Tokyo 2020, and medalist in Rio 2016.
- Artem Dolgopyat – One of Israel’s most decorated athletes, Olympic gold medalist (Tokyo 2020), silver medalist (Paris 2024), world champion, and two-time European floor exercise champion.
Also joining the team is Montana Tucker, an American singer and social media star who has become a leading voice against antisemitism and a vocal supporter of Israel since October 7.
