22nd Maccabiah Games Conclude with Ceremonial Torch Extinguishing in Tel Aviv

The 22nd Maccabiah Games concluded on July 13, 2026, with a festive closing ceremony held at the Tel Aviv Expo Center. The event marked the end of nearly two weeks of competitions and cultural exchanges among thousands of Jewish athletes from over 40 countries, including approximately 1,000 first-time youth participants. During the ceremony, key excellence awards were presented, and the Maccabiah flag was entrusted to the Jewish Sports Museum for safekeeping.

A memorial and revival film was shown, dedicated to those killed and fallen since October 7, highlighting the enduring spirit of Israeli and Jewish resilience. The symbolic extinguishing of the Maccabiah torch was performed by Olympic medalist and Maccabiah ambassador Artyom Dologopyat, signaling the close of the games until the next edition.

Israeli Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar expressed his joy at the event's conclusion, emphasizing the meaningful connections forged between Jewish diaspora athletes and Israel. He thanked the World Maccabi Movement, the Maccabiah management, the Jewish National Fund, local authorities, thousands of workers and volunteers, security forces, and the athletes themselves, concluding with the phrase, "The people of Israel live!"