Haifa To Host World’s Largest Jewish Teen Sports Competition

At a time of growing assimilation in America, and an intermarriage rate of two in every three couples, 80 percent of the participants from abroad do not go to oft-prohibitively expensive Jewish day school, while half will be coming to Israel for the first time, according to figures cited by the organizers.

 “Drawing teens from communities across North America, Israel and around the globe, the Games bring us together through competition, service and a profound encounter with the wider Jewish world,” says Doron Krakow, president and CEO of the JCC Association.

“To be returning to Israel as part of the ongoing celebration of the country’s 75th anniversary year and the enduring fulfillment of the dream of the modern Zionist movement is a source of enormous pride for all of us.”

The JCC Association said that it raised more than $5 million for this year’s sporting event in Israel.

“This experience is also a special way to welcome teens into the Maccabi Movement and strengthen their Jewish identity before many of them head to college,” said Samantha Cohen, JCC Association senior vice president of Program and Talent.

In contrast to the Maccabiah Games, in most years the JCC Maccabi Games are held in North America and draw delegations from the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as a small number of teens from around the globe. The athletes from North America coming to Israel represent 70 different communities, each of whom is vying for the awards.

Cohen said that organizers hope to turn the Israel venue for the Games into a quadrennial event.