FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                             Contact: Sara Feinstein at 215/561-6900 Ext. 119 sfeinstein@maccabiusa.com

MACCABIAH ALUMNUS ELECTED VICE-PRESIDENT OF MACCABI USA/SPORTS FOR ISRAEL

December 14, Philadelphia, PA - Seth Baron, an alumnus of five Maccabiah Games and three Pan American Maccabi Games was elected as a Vice-President for Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel (MUSA) for a second four-year term on Sunday, December 6.  Baron, of Kennesaw, GA, works as the Southern States Area Director for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

Baron, a competitive swimmer from a young age, is one of MUSA's success stories.  MUSA uses sports as a vehicle to build living bridges to Israel by bringing America's Jewish youth to Israel to compete with top Jewish athletes throughout the Diaspora and develop a deeper connection to their heritage, each other and for the State of Israel.  After first competing for the USA at the 12^th Maccabiah Games in Israel in July 1985, Baron also coached and/or chaired the Maccabi USA Swimming Team at four additional Maccabiah Games and two Pan American Maccabi Games.  As an athlete he won six gold medals, one silver medal and broke five Maccabiah Games swimming records and was named the Most Outstanding Athlete of the 12^th Maccabiah Games.

Baron has built a career out of his passion for Israel as well as Jewish culture and heritage, both professionally and as a volunteer.  He has been a member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee since 2002 and has been involved with the Maccabi World Union and the International Sports Committee, during this time. 

"It's an honor to serve as Vice-President for Maccabi USA.  It is an important responsibility and challenge as we look forward to fulfilling our Mission," Baron stated when asked to comment on the election, "I look forward to working with the other officers and the Board of Directors as we continue the growth, promotion and recognition of Maccabi USA."

About the organization:

Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel (MUSA) has an extensive history of enriching Jewish lives through athletic, cultural and educational programs.  The organization is the official sponsor of the United States Team to the World Maccabiah Games, the Pan American Maccabi Games and the Maccabi competitions in Europe and Australia, as well as a co-founder of the JCC Maccabi Games for teens in North America.  As the official Maccabi representative in the U.S., Maccabi USA supports Jewish athletic endeavors, enhanced by cultural and educational activities in the United States, Israel and throughout the Diaspora.

MUSA develops, promotes and supports international, national and regional athletic-based activities and facilities.  They strive to provide Jewish athletes the world over the opportunity to share their heritage and customs in competitive athletic settings.  MUSA supports programs that embody the Maccabi ideals of Jewish continuity, Zionism and excellence in sport. 

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