1930
- Maccabi motorcyclists from Eretz Yisrael, headed by Shlomo Arazi, go to Antwerp for propaganda drive for Maccabiah
- Creation of Maccabi Tzair in Germany and Czechoslovakia
1931
- Second propaganda tour of Eretz Yisrael Maccabi motorcyclists to London - through Sinai, Cairo, Alexandria, Piraeus, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Austria, Germany and France - for the Maccabiah in Amateur Sports Federation established in Israel and affiliated to the International Sports Federation
1932 – The 1st Maccabiah
- 14 Countries, 390 Athletes
The First Maccabiah Games leads the development of Jewish sports in Eretz Yisrael – infusing new spirit throughout the Jewish world. On the eve of the Games, the country’s first stadium is completed in northern Tel Aviv. Mayor Meir Dizengoff, riding a white horse, leads the opening parade through the streets of Tel Aviv. The games are scheduled to take place every three years.
Sports Highlights
- Americans excel in track & field
- Czechs and Austrians stand out in swimming
- Poland does well in football (soccer), water polo and boxing
- Egypt has notable performances in boxing and fencing
- Germany succeeds in handball and field hockey
“The Maccabiah would show the world that Eretz Yisrael is the land of a strong and healthy Jewish people.”
-Josef Yekutieli, former secretary of Maccabi Israel, and founder of the Maccabiah
1932
- Palestine Olympic Committee refuses invitation to participate in the Olympic Games in Berlin
1934
- Transfer of Maccabi World Union Headquarters from Germany to London
- Foundation of Maccabi in Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- Start of organized Maccabi activities in South Africa
- Foundation of the Olympic Committee in Eretz Yisrael - and its official recognition as a member of the International Olympic Committee is held in Athens the same year
- A Maccabi team of athletes under David Almagor represents Eretz Yisrael at the West Asian Sports Games in New Delhi and our national flag is hoisted for the first time
- Maccabi Eretz Yisrael female athletes participate for the first time in the International Athletic Meet for Women in London
The 2nd Maccabiah - 1935
- 28 Countries, 1,350 Athletes
The Games take place during strict restrictions on Jewish immigration. The U.S. team travels for two weeks on an Italian Ship, Conte Di Savoie, to reach Palestine. A large contingent of Germans, despite the rise of the Nazi regime, makes a surprise appearance. The entire Bulgarian team remains. Despite the British Mandate police, the participants march through the streets before Lord Melchett, MWU President. The Athletes stay in tents except those who are hosted by families in homes.
Sports Highlights
- In their first participation, South Africa shares track & field top honors with the U.S.
- Sybil Koff adds to her gold medal tally from ’32 with two more golds in the 60 and 200m
- Olympic Champion Lillian Copeland wins the javelin, discus and shot-put
- Abe Rosenkranz wins three gold medals in the distance events
1936
- Second Maccabiah Winter Games in Banska Bystrica, Czechoslovakia
- Establishment of Maccabi-Hebraica clubs in Colombia, Peru and Venezuela
1938
- Maccabi delegation from Eretz Yisrael guests of "Sokol" at the International Sokol Gathering in Prague. (Alouf Nishri, Wein Arnon) Baltic Maccabi Games.
1939
- Maccabi World Union Branch Office is set up in Tel Aviv
- Foundation of "Department of Physical Education" by the Yishuv Leadership in Eretz Yisrael
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