Jewish Athletes Worldwide Honor Israel Ahead of Maccabiah 2026 Opening Ceremony
The 22nd Maccabiah Games will commence next Wednesday with an opening ceremony at Teddy Stadium, marking the continuation of this historic Jewish sporting event since 1932. Although some prominent Jewish athletes from around the world will not compete this year, several have brought honor to Israel through their achievements and may participate in future Maccabiah Games.
Among them is Amit Elor, a freestyle wrestler representing both the United States and Israel. Elor, a two-time world champion and 2024 Olympic gold medalist in Paris, frequently visits Israel and openly discusses her Jewish heritage and family history, including her grandparents’ survival of the Holocaust. She expressed pride in representing Israel and the U.S., emphasizing the importance of bringing joy to Israel after recent events.
Australian sisters Jessica and Naomi Fox have gained global recognition in kayaking, winning multiple Olympic gold medals in Paris 2024. Their father, Richard Fox, is a former world champion and Olympian, and their mother, Miriam Fox-Yerushalmi, won an Olympic bronze in 1996. Both sisters proudly acknowledge their Jewish identity, with Jessica publicly supporting Israel and encouraging donations to Magen David Adom following the October 7 attacks.
Maya Weintraub, a rising star in fencing, contributed to the U.S. women’s team’s historic gold medal in the team épée event at the 2024 Olympics. Born in Philadelphia, she proudly identifies as Jewish and previously won gold at the 2019 European Maccabi Games.
American speed skater Amri Lehman, a four-time Olympian, has earned Olympic medals in team pursuit and holds multiple world records. Raised in a Jewish household in Illinois, Lehman plans to retire after the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. He has expressed pride in representing the Jewish people on the international stage.
The Maccabiah 2026 will take place from July 1 to 13, featuring over 8,000 athletes from approximately 45 countries competing in around 45 sports. Originally scheduled for the previous summer, the event was postponed due to Operation "With the Lion." The games will unite athletes, families, and fans under the slogan "More Than Ever."
