18th Maccabiah Games
July 12-23, 2009*

Sometimes referred to as the "Jewish Olympics", these Games are held every four years in Israel attracting the most outstanding Jewish athletes from around the world. The 18th Maccabiah was held July 2009.

As one of the largest elite competitions, the Maccabiah grew to over 7000 athletes from over 50 countries making it the third largest sports event in the world. In keeping with its Mission to perpetuate and preserve the American Jewish community by encouraging Jewish Pride, strengthening Jewish bonds, and by creating a heightened awareness of Israel and Jewish Identity, Maccabi USA established a Pre Camp in Israel in 1989, including B'nai Mitzvah and touring of Israel.

*Opening Ceremonies were July 13, 2009.

51 Countries participated in the 18th Maccabiah Games:

Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Great Britain, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Mexico, Moldova, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, USA, Venezuela!