History: The 1950s

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The 3rd Maccabiah - 1950

19 Countries, 800 Athletes
Israeli President Chaim Weizman opens the first Games to be played in the Sovereign State of Israel. These are also the first Games played in Ramat Gan Stadium with a seating capacity of 50,000. The Maccabiah family welcomes first time participants Argentina, Canada, India and Sweden. Especially poignant is the participation of a team from West Germany, which is composed entirely of Holocaust survivors.

Sports Highlights
Gold medal performances are delivered by U.S. athletes:
Henry Laskau, Racewalker who would compete in 4 Maccabiot and 3 Olympics
Henry Wittenberg, Wrestler and 3x Olympian
Daniel Bukantz, 4-time Olympic Fencer
Sprinter Roy Chernock
Weightlifter Frank Spellman
US Basketball team
Canada earns 14 medals in their first participation
It is my greatest pleasure to extend to you, my best wishes for your first meeting in the State of Israel. Fifty years of unceasing work in the field of sports and the propagation of the Zionist ideal must be noted on this occasion. You were the first to bring about a fundamental change in the spirit of the nation - you have inspired the Jewish people to protect its honor and its very existence. Your branches scattered throughout the Diaspora have become centers of development of physical culture among Jewish youth. You have sown within them the seed of courage while they were still in Exile and the results of your effort is apparent today. - Professor Chaim Weizman, 1st President State of Israel, September 27, 1950

1952

First participation of Israel in the Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland
Centro Deportivo Israelita(CDI) in Mexico City becomes a member of Maccabi World Union

The 4th Maccabiah - 1953

21 Countries, 890 Athletes

The tradition of carrying the torch from Modi?in (birthplace of Judah "the Hammer" Maccabee) is born with the Fourth Maccabiah. The U.S. Committee Sports for Israel officially sponsors the American delegation for the first time. The foundation stone for Kfar Maccabiah in Ramat Gan is laid, sponsored by Aharon Netanel, Chairman of the Maccabi World Union and Ramat Gan Mayor, Abraham Krinitzi. First-time entrants include Austria, Brazil and Chile.

Sports Highlights

Men's track & field (Henry Laskau)
Wrestling (Henry Wittenberg)
Springboard and high diving
Gymnastics (Abie Grossfeld - 7 gold medals)
Tennis (Grant Golden)
South Africa performs well in track, swimming and freestyle wrestling
Israel excels in women's events and boxing, football, freestyle wrestling, volleyball and table tennis
Denmark has champions in Greco-Roman wrestling and fencing
Canada competes well in heavyweight & freestyle wrestling
Argentina succeeds in freestyle wrestling
Britain races well in cycling

1957 - The 5th Maccabiah

19 Countries, 980 Athletes
Inauguration of the "Aharon Netanel Maccabi Village" is held, serving as the main accommodation center for participating athletes. The Games are officially established to be on a quadrennial basis from this point on. Foundation is laid for the Wingate Institute for Physical Education in Israel. First-time participation by Mexico.
Sports Highlights
Appearance of many international stars
Isaac Berger, American World record holder in weightlifting and 2-time Olympian, makes his first of two appearances in the Maccabiah
4-time Olympic gold medal winner in gymnastics, Abie Grossfeld
Israel excels in football and handball
Legendary coach Harry Litwack leads the US to basketball gold
South African sprinter H. Bromberg establishes numerous records

1959

European Maccabi Games in Denmark

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