I write this message as once again, Israel faces a bitter enemy bent on her destruction. As Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said in his address to the Knesset, "There are moments in the life of a nation when it is compelled to look directly into the face of reality and say, ‘No More’.  Only a nation that can defend its freedom truly deserves it.  We are entitled to our freedom, and when necessary, we know how to fight for it and defend it".

Israelis and Jews around the world have put aside the political and sectarian disputes that separate them and have come together in support of the State of Israel. 

There is a time to speak, to inform, to share and a time to act, to do, to achieve.  MUSA and many individual Board members have made contributions to Maccabi World Union’s campaign to provide aid and assistance to Israelis who were forced to stay in shelters to protect their families and for those wounded by Islamic war and terrorism. We joined the hundreds of thousands of Jews worldwide who showed support for Israel in her days of anguish. We are a People who care about the destiny of each and every one of its members.  COL ISRAEL AREVIM ZE LAZE – we have a common responsibility.

The Maccabiah, Pan American Maccabi Games, European Maccabi Games, Maccabi Australia International Games and the JCC Maccabi Games bring Jews from all over the world together to share in a Jewish athletic and cultural experience.  We preserve and perpetuate our Jewish identity, not by being Jews in isolation, but by establishing relationships with fellow Jews from Israel, Australia, Europe, South America and around the globe.  The bonds that connect us strengthen our sense of purpose and create a greater sensitivity and concern for our Family members, especially when they are in peril. The bonds that bind us to one another also foster within us a strong connection to the State of Israel.

The leaders of Maccabi USA are passionate supporters of Israel. They have demonstrated their support of the Jewish State by their commitment to MUSA, to the Maccabiah Games and to the ideals of the Maccabi Movement. Their unwavering commitment to our Mission has inspired us to work together to change the lives of American Jewish athletes by giving them the opportunity to experience the Magic of Maccabi. Their tireless efforts on behalf of this organization have enriched the lives of tens of thousands of Jews here in the United States, in Israel and around the world.

Our leaders have assumed positions of responsibility in the international Maccabi organization.  MUSA ChairmanBob Spivak is a member of the MWU Board of Trustees.  Ron Carner, MUSA First Vice President and General Chairman of the U.S. Delegation to the 18th Maccabiah, was re-elected to another four-year term as a MWU Vice President. MUSA Vice President Phyllis Magerman and General Chair of the U.S. Delegation to the 11th Pan American Maccabi Games serves as a member of the MWU Executive Committee.  MUSA Secretary Jordan Weinstein was recently appointed as Co-Chair of the International Sports Committee for the 18th Maccabiah.  Executive Committee member and Co-Chair of the American Delegation to the European Maccabi Games Ricky Reff, and Executive Committee member Barry Gurland, serve on the MWU Executive Committee. Seth Baron is a member of the International Sports Committee and I serve as Chairman of the North American Confederation.  We can all take pride in the accomplishments of our leadership.  Their dedication and vision have set the standard for those who follow. They have inspired us and encouraged us to strive for excellence.

The Maccabi Australia International Games was a fantastic experience for all those who attended. My thanks to Chairman Bob Spivak and his excellent Team and to our incredible office staff for organizing our U.S. Delegation of 230 people. Our strong support of these inaugural Games contributed to their success. Harry Procel, Chairman of Maccabi Australia, expressed his appreciation in the following words: “Maccabi Australia owes you and Bob and all the leadership and administrative staff of Maccabi USAa huge debt of gratitude. These Games were very difficult to get off the ground and we couldn’t have done it without the vision andcommitmentof Bob and the MUSA leadership. Maccabi USA was a true partner in this event and Maccabi Australia will never forget it. I believe that the legacy Tom York and his Organizing Committee and the USA Team have left is that MAIG will become a regular new fixture on the MWU Calendar every 4 years.”  Maccabi USA does make a difference!

As the Jewish New Year approaches, we hope and pray for a future that will ensure the security of Israel and the Jewish People.   I wish you and your families a healthy, happy and peaceful New Year.

JAZAK VE'EMATZ - be strong and courageous, together
Toni