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Our Impact

Yael Yonah

Having competed at the 2017 Maccabiah Games, Opening Ceremony was something I was looking forward to. This time around, it truly felt as though I was part of the USA team. Prior to walking in, we got to meet other USA athletes and get to know them. Through these meetings, we developed relationships and then supported each other at our respective competitions. It was a crazy experience to walk into the stadium, with USA on your shirt, everyone in the stadium is looking at you, being on this big screen – you’re not only representing your religion but you’re representing your country.
Read About Yael's Journey

Jason Feinberg

My memorable moment was during the squash Semi-Finals when I lost to Nadav, an Open squash player from Germany, since I was the underdog there. It was an incredibly hard competition, but everyone was cheering me on; not only my family, but there were also other USA delegation members and athletes from other countries. I could hear them smacking on the glass rooting for me which was really motivating.
Read About Jason's Journey

Max Haber

Ironically, I got a call the Wednesday before we left saying that someone was hurt, and they were looking for a replacement. Was I interested? I was filled with excitement – of course I wanted to join. My uncle used to coach the Maccabi USA Wrestling Team and he’s wanted me to do something like this for years now, so here was my chance.

Read About Max's Journey

Elyssa Rosebaum

My dream of competing as a member of Maccabi USA came true this past summer at the 14th Pan American Maccabi Games. While my original talent was as a gymnast, my most recent talent is as a triathlete. As I was surfing the web, I stumbled upon a Maccabi USA Facebook ad seeking Jewish triathletes. The post seemed too good to be true, so I had to find out more. After solidifying that Maccabi USA was in fact fielding a triathlon team, I applied, was appointed to the team, and about 6 months later was boarding a flight to Mexico City to compete as a member of Team Maccabi USA!

Read About Elyssa's Journey

Matthew Halpern

Beyond the games and practices, the uniforms and the ceremonies, it is the bonds that form among the teammates and the friendships that develop with the other competitors that are the true gift of the Maccabi experience. There is something truly special about the friendships that form during the Games that really last a lifetime. For me, so many of my closest friendships have developed through my experience with Maccabi USA, and that continues even today. 
Read Matt's Story

Jessica Hillier-Davidson

 “Even though we come from different backgrounds and speak different languages, our connection as Jews and disabled athletes united us as one. This was a trip filled with extraordinary friends, amazing sights, and many life changing moments. Maccabi Access allowed me to overcome my fears, represent my country, and discover a family beyond my immediate one.” 
Read Jessica's Story

Josh and Shayna Kahane

Having experienced these fears before, Josh assured his daughter that things would fall into place. His words were proven true, as the Juniors’ Girls Soccer Team excelled both on and off the field. Watching his daughter perform as a valuable asset to her team was one of Josh’s most rewarding moments from the Games.  
Read Josh and Shayna Kahane's Story