Despite the ongoing war, the Maccabiah Games are scheduled to go ahead as planned in July. The third-largest sporting event in the world—and the largest in Israel—the so-called Jewish Olympics are held every four years and have not missed an edition since the 3rd Maccabiah in 1950.
The 2025 Games will be held from July 8 to 22, with more than 8,000 athletes from 55 countries gathering in Israel to compete in 45 sports all over the country. Local authorities hosting the various competitions include Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Herzliya, Haifa, Jerusalem, Ra’anana, Hadera, the Valley of Springs Regional Council, Lod, Caesarea, Sderot, communities of the Gaza Envelope, Gezer and Ramat Gan.
Under the slogan “More Than Ever,” the organizers, Maccabi World Union, said in a press release, “this year’s Maccabiah emphasizes the need for unity, strengthening ties with Diaspora Jewry, and connecting to Israel—today more than ever.”
The countdown to Maccabiah 2025 got underway on Sunday evening, June 8, at a festive event in Kfar Maccabiah in Ramat Gan, attended by some 100 guests, strategic partners and the Maccabiah team of ambassadors: Peter Paltchik, Olympic bronze medalist in Paris 2024; Raz Hershko, Olympic silver medalist in Paris 2024; Asaf Yasur, Paralympic champion in Taekwondo in Paris 2024; and Moran Samuel, Paralympic champion in rowing in Paris 2024.
At the event, the first details were revealed about the official opening ceremony, which will take place on Thursday, July 10, at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem.
Israeli entertainers Yuval Raphael, Itay Levy, Eden Golan, Idan Raichel, and Shahar Saul will perform at the ceremony, which will be hosted by TV personalities Anna Aronov and Assi Azar.
The Maccabiah torch, which has previously been lit by the likes of sporting greats Linoy Ashram, Omri Casspi, Aly Raisman, Yael Arad and Tal Brody, will be lit this year by Raz Hershko and Asaf Yasur.
“Maccabiah 2025 is a symbol of our hope, restoration and resilience as a people after the most difficult period we have experienced in this generation,” said Assaf Goren, chairman of the Maccabiah. “With a record number of host cities and municipalities, the Maccabiah is a direct contribution to Israel’s economy and tourism during such a challenging time.”
He added, “We are pleased to see the response from much of the world, even in this challenging and complex period, and we look forward to hosting thousands of athletes who will come to compete, discover, and get to know Israel—now, more than ever.”
According to organizers, these will be “the Games of the future,” boasting a sports experience complex called Expo Maccabiah City—"Israel’s Sports City"—for the first time. The complex includes interactive sports facilities, sporting performances, competitions, family activities, innovation and technology exhibitions. The “Maccabiah City Expo” will be held over five days, from July 14 to 18.
The first Maccabiah Games took place in 1932. The 22nd Games are also embracing the past and returning to Tel Aviv-Jaffa for nearly the first time in almost a century. It will host sports such as beach volleyball, wave surfing, rhythmic gymnastics, artistic gymnastics, 3x3 basketball, pickleball and rugby.
“I would like to thank our many partners, especially the Israeli government led by the Ministry of Culture and Sports, for the great support we receive from national institutions and commercial companies that help us make the Maccabiah so big and powerful,” Goren said. “Maccabiah 2025 will emphasize the importance of the relationship between the State of Israel and Diaspora Jewry and give us all hope for the future, while commemorating the events of Oct. 7 and the Swords of Iron War.”
Tickets for the opening ceremony and other events are available on the Maccabiah website at www.maccabiah.com.
