President's Message

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Dear Maccabi USA Family member;

These past thirteen months, Maccabi USA participated in three Regional Games: We sent solidarity delegations to Sydney for the Maccabi Australia International Games and to Vienna for the European Maccabi Games. And just last month we traveled to São Paulo, Brazil, for the 12^th Pan Am Maccabi Games, with a team of 330 athletes and 120 supporters led by Fred and Dhana Cohen and Toni Wortman. A huge amount of work was thrust upon our office staff and they responded with great energy, competence and dedication.

It was heartening to witness our delegation bond through a sense of togetherness, harmony, and purpose. This style of leadership is our goal for all our projects.

Our Brazilian hosts were very well-prepared: from transportation to game scheduling, from security to hospitality. Buses left on time, and no organizational crises arose. From where I sit, I can well appreciate this great feat!

Back home, we hit the ground running as we've started gearing up for our crown jewel - the 19th Maccabiah in Israel in 2013. Outside Israel, the USA's Jewish Community is the largest in the world. Our presence in the Maccabiah drives the participation of Jewish Communities across the globe, and we take this responsibility seriously. Currently, we intend to participate in at least 33 of the 41 different sports offered with a Team projected to grow from 900 in 2009 to 1,000 in 2013.

The Organizing Committee of the 19^th Maccabiah, under Chairman Amir Peled, will be ready for the participation of over 7,700 athletes from about 60 nations. Bigger is only better if it runs well. The solid infrastructure, led by the Israelis, will ensure the success of every new sport introduced.

But what does it take on our end beyond the capable leadership of USA General Chairman, Jeff Bukantz, working with our amazing office staff and Maccabiah USA Organizing Committee. The cost of participation in such an international event is foremost on my mind, and I am out there every day attempting to find ways to raise over $8,000,000 to make this dream a reality.

The fun and exhilaration of organizing the teams sometimes eclipses the true mission of our organization: building Jewish Identity and Pride. Sports is merely the conduit to connect with the Jewish world, to rediscover one's roots and gain a sense of belonging and pride.

Commitment and passion for what we do are the key ingredients of our success. We need your help on all levels-your expertise, contacts, and fundraising. Therefore, I ask that you step up now and join us in making this project happen.  We need you now!

Sincerely,

Ron Carner
President, Maccabi USA