History

Strength. For thousands of years, it has been the defining quality of the Jewish People. Even before Judah (The Hammer) Maccabee and his family fought for Jewish independence more than 2,100 years ago, and ever since, Jews have found strength in each other and used this strength to keep their spirit and their dedication to Judaism alive.

This strength is the essence of the World Maccabiah Games. This strength is the essence of the top Jewish athletes who travel from around the world to Israel to compete and to embrace their homeland and their heritage. Since the Games began in 1932, financial concerns, political unrest and war have tried the strength of the Games and the athletes, but nothing has succeeded in diminishing the light and the spirit of the athletes, sponsors, volunteers and staff members who have made this quadrennial competition one of the world?s three largest international sporting events.

 

2000s 2000s
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1890s 1890s

Apply Online

 Maccabi USA will be accepting online applications shortly, but the mail in application for the Maccabi Austrailia and European Maccabi Games are now available below.

icon European Maccabi Games 2011 Application

icon Maccabi Australia International Games Mail In Application

18th Games Photos

Photos from the 18th Games are now available.

Click here to view the galleries.

Testimonials

I originally decided to participate in the Maccabiah Games solely to compete in my sport.? Throughout my experience in Israel, I realized that the Games were much more than a sports competition.? The Maccabiah Games provided me with the opportunity to connect with other Jewish athletes and to the land of our forefathers.? The pride I felt while representing all of the Jews of the United States was unmatchable by any other feeling I have ever experienced.

Michael Hauss

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