Israeli Hostage Survivors and Jewish Leaders Unite in Special Maccabiah Basketball Game

A special and emotional basketball exhibition took place on Wednesday as part of the Maccabiah 2026 events, featuring Israeli hostage survivors, basketball legends, and representatives of world Jewry. The event, organized by Maccabiah 2026, the Jewish Agency, and the "LeHosheet Yad" association, was dedicated to expressing gratitude to the global Jewish communities for their support and accompaniment of the survivors and their families. It also conveyed a clear message that the long rehabilitation journey is only beginning.

The game occurred amid Israel's complex current reality, just one day after President Isaac Herzog inaugurated the 22nd Maccabiah Games with a grand ceremony at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem. Herzog emphasized the evening as one of great strength and pride, a spirit continued by Wednesday’s game that symbolized the connection between Israel and world Jewry.

Central to the event was recognition of the unprecedented contribution of Jewish communities worldwide in efforts to secure the hostages’ release. Hundreds of Jewish Agency emissaries have mobilized international awareness through rallies and support events. The communities continue to assist survivors and families in rehabilitation via the Jewish Agency’s Victims of Terror Fund. Abraham Atar, CEO of "LeHosheet Yad," highlighted that while the release of hostages can happen in a day, restoring their lives is a long process that must not be faced alone.

Participants included survivors such as David Konyo, Ariel Konyo, Bar Kuperstein, Elkana Buhbut, Elia Cohen, Or Levy, and Eitan Horn, alongside Israeli basketball veterans Meir Tapiro, Afik Nissim, and Papi Turgeman. Jewish Agency CEO Yehuda Stone, North American delegation head Gal Atiya, and new immigrants who arrived after the October 7 attack also took part. Maccabiah chairman Asaf Goren and CEO Roy Hasing underscored the event’s message that sports unite Jews worldwide even in difficult times.

Survivor Eitan Horn expressed deep gratitude to world Jewry for their efforts during the two years of captivity and emphasized that the rehabilitation path is still long. Yehuda Stone added that sport uniquely fosters connection, hope, and strength to start anew, with the Maccabiah embodying this unity and appreciation.

The "Returning to Life" project by "LeHosheet Yad" is Israel’s largest dedicated rehabilitation initiative for hostage survivors and their families, providing community-based support, personal accompaniment, emotional aid, rights advocacy, and specialized programs for all ages. This model helps survivors who struggle with formal psychological treatment to heal alongside others who share their trauma, restoring security, belonging, and the ability to rebuild their lives.