'We came with all of our family, because we're all family here'

Maccabiah Games open in Jerusalem as global celebration of Jewish pride

Thousands of athletes from more than 30 countries gather in Jerusalem for a star-studded opening ceremony of the delayed sporting event

The opening ceremony of the “Jewish Olympics” was buzzing with Jewish pride and resilience as athletes and fans from more than 30 countries gathered in Jerusalem Wednesday night.

After last year’s Maccabiah Games were postponed due to Israel’s June 2025 war with Iran, the kick-off of the two-week competition carried an extra level of symbolism and significance as Israel prepared to mark 1,000 days since the Hamas massacre of October 7, 2023 this weekend.

“We came here from Mexico with all of our family, because we are all family here,” said Katya, part of a delegation of about 300 visitors from the Latin American country who sat together in the capital’s Teddy Stadium wearing dark green T-shirts. “We are so excited to finally be here in Israel together.”

Kicking off the games, which will be held at sites around Israel through July 13, some 5,000 athletes marched through the sold-out stadium waving their countries’ flags ahead of a ceremonial torch lighting ceremony and performances by some of Israel’s leading entertainers.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog addressed the crowd in a mixture of Hebrew and English, speaking to both the Israelis in the audience and visitors from abroad.

“Through this difficult war, we have proven that despite the pain, we can find the challenge in every crisis,” Herzog said. “This sports celebration is a demonstration of Jewish power that conveys an unequivocal message of joint responsibility and determination to the people of Israel and the entire world.”

Netanyahu, meanwhile, called on the crowd to be strong amidst the rise in global antisemitism. “This year, I have only one message for you: People respect only those who respect themselves,” he said. “In the face of antisemitism, stand tall!”

Among the countries participating, Israel has by far the largest representation with some 2,200 athletes. About 900 came from the USA, followed by significant teams from Mexico, Argentina, Germany, Brazil and France.

The event was hosted by television presenter Assi Azar and American pro-Israel influencer Montana Tucker, and included a performance by former Eurovision contestant Yuval Rafael, a duet by Neta Barzilai and Anna Zak, and a musical arrangement by Idan Raichel along with former hostages Daniella Gilboa and Edan Alexander. Israeli singer Itay Levy closed the event with a musical number in English, accompanied by a stage full of dancers.

For the torchlighting ceremony, the flame was carried by several representatives, including Evyatar Zeituni, a disabled IDF veteran and former Paratroopers Brigade officer who was injured in the battles to defend Kibbutz Kissufim during the October 7 attack.

The torchbearers then passed the flame to Israeli Paralympic taekwondo champion Asaf Yasur and Israeli Olympic judo star Inbar Lanir, who lit the Maccabiah torch together.

Participants said they appreciated how the games serve to promote Jewish pride without getting muddled in politics.

“I’m excited to see Jews who have come together from all around the world, sharing Jewish joy more than anything else,” noted Jewish black trans influencer Bellamy Bellucci. “I don’t see any politics, I don’t see anyone talking about genocide or apartheid. What I noticed more than anything else is the excitement in parents and families coming to watch their children be around other Jews.”

Dan Greenwald, a Jerusalem resident who attended the ceremony with his son, agreed with the sentiment.

“It’s incredible that Jews all over the world feel drawn to come here to play sports, which speaks to the meaning Israel has for Jews all over the world,” he said. “There was a great energy here, which was very inspiring.”

Following the opening ceremony, competition begins Thursday across Israel.

Most of the games will take place in the center of the country, in gyms and sports centers in Tel Aviv, Herzliya and Ramat Gan, among others. Gymnastics and track and field events will take place in Jerusalem, while others will be held in the north. All events and accommodations will be secured at the highest levels in coordination with the IDF, police, and the Shin Bet security service, organizers said.

This year, for the first time, the games will also include a sports festival open to the public, running at Expo Tel Aviv from July 6 to July 10. Maccabiah City will seek to recreate the atmosphere of an Olympic Village with physical competitions, interactive fan zones, historical exhibitions and the chance to meet Jewish athletes.

All games are free and open to the public, though tickets must be purchased for the Maccabiah City expo. The full schedule can be seen at maccabiah.com.