Maccabiah 2026 Officially Launches After One-Year Delay
Maccabiah 2026 was officially launched on Monday night at a festive ceremony on the roof of Tel Aviv City Hall, after being postponed for a year because of Operation “With the Lion.” The event served as the opening step toward the summer Games, which will be held under the slogan “More than ever.”
The Maccabiah torch was lit by Asaf Yasur and Inbar Lanir, who were chosen for the honor at the opening ceremony. Singers and creators Nono and Jimbo J created a new arrangement of the Maccabiah anthem, and performed it publicly for the first time during the launch event.
The ceremony was attended by Maccabiah chairman Asaf Goren, CEO Roee Hesing, KKL-JNF chairman Eyal Ostersin, Ministry of Culture and Sports director general Kfir Cohen, and Lior Shapira, acting deputy mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo. Hosts of the ceremony were Assi Azar and Anna Aronov.
Also present were leading Israeli Olympic and Paralympic athletes serving as Maccabiah ambassadors, including Artem Dolgopyat and Moran Samuel. The launch marked the formal start of preparations for the 2026 Games.
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