Maccabiah 22 Launches After Delay, With About 10,000 Jewish Athletes Expected in Israel

The 22nd Maccabiah was officially launched on Monday night after being postponed because of Operation With All Your Might. The games, the largest Jewish sporting event in the world, are set to begin in less than two weeks and will bring about 10,000 Jewish athletes from around the diaspora to Israel to compete in about 45 sports.

The official opening ceremony will take place on July 1 at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem, hosted by Assi Azar and Anna Aronov. Performances are planned by Idan Raichel, Netta Barzilai, Itay Levi, Yuval Raphael and Anna Zak. The main show will combine pyrotechnics with the traditional parade of delegations, and the Maccabiah torch will be lit by Paralympic athlete and Paris Paralympic gold medalist Asaf Yasur.

Maccabiah CEO Roi Hesing said he was moved to see the Games launched despite the difficult security situation and the effects of the war in the region. He stressed the historic importance of the diaspora delegations coming now, and the commitment of world Jewry to Israel. Despite logistical challenges, he said the participants are determined to take part.

Hesing said, “We have reached the moment, thank God, and may all the hostages be home with us, and hopefully when the wars end, and yes, we all deserve, Israelis and the Jewish diaspora, some relief and celebration.” He called it “the biggest first international event since October 7,” and said, “Zionism ultimately wins, the Jewish diaspora believes in the State of Israel and wants to come here. They care less about the security situation, less about airlines not flying, they will come here. Not in the big numbers we are used to, but in very good numbers.” He also referred to the recent Iranian attack as a lingering nightmare and said the opening ceremony will showcase a strong lineup of athletes, including medalists and Paralympians.