The 22nd Maccabiah, set for July and the first since the war, will commemorate three young Israelis killed in terror and war through sports events tied to their lives and values. The tribute will remember Dan Elkaim, who was murdered in the December 2024 Bondi Beach attack, Guy Shimchi, who was killed on October 7 while rescuing partygoers from the Nova festival to shelter in Kibbutz Reim, and Adir Bughla, a Golani soldier killed in the battle at Nahal Oz on October 7.
Elkaim grew up in France with a ball at his feet, played in Bordeaux and in Jewish community teams, then moved to Australia at 23 to study computer engineering and improve his English. He played for Rockdale Ilinden near Sydney, captained France at the 21st Maccabiah, and his father, Arye Elkaim, said, “He loved football since he was little. No matter age, color or ethnicity, football came first.” In his memory, the Maccabiah will hold an international football match featuring players from different national teams, reflecting how he connected people through the game.
Shimchi, who was born in Kibbutz Reim and died there, had no weapon and wore shorts when he led about 30 Nova festivalgoers to safety. His mother, Orit Shimchi, said survivors recalled him appearing at the entrance and saying, “I’m Shimchi, come with me,” before everyone followed. He excelled at sport from a young age, especially juggling the ball, volleyball and surfing, and his family says he never wanted second place. During the Maccabiah, a special juggling competition will be held at Maccabiah City with athletes, alumni of Maccabi Young, and Shimchi’s friends, accompanied by music, videos and memories.
Bughla served in Golani’s 13th Battalion and was killed at Nahal Oz after returning to base despite a hand injury because, as his father, Gidon Bughla, said, he believed other soldiers could go home if he stayed. He messaged his father during the fighting, “I don’t know what is going to happen. I love you.” He played for Beitar Ariel until eighth grade, kept Shabbat even when games were on Saturdays, and was known for volunteering, delivering food to the needy and spending time with elderly people. The youth football tournament at the Maccabiah will award a Fair Play trophy in his honor, and his father said the tribute shows that “the people of Israel did not forget our sons.”
