Maccabiah Games 22 Conclude with Ceremonial Closing 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 around 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 commemorative film was shown honoring those killed and fallen since October 7, highlighting the enduring spirit of Israeli and Jewish resilience. The ceremony culminated with Olympic medalist and Maccabiah ambassador Artyom Dolgopyat extinguishing the Maccabiah torch, symbolizing the conclusion of the games until it is relit at the next event.

Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar expressed his joy at the closing, emphasizing the event's role in fostering genuine connections between the Jewish diaspora and Israel. He thanked the World Maccabi Movement, Maccabiah management, the Jewish National Fund, local authorities, thousands of workers and volunteers, security forces, and the athletes themselves for making the games a success. "Am Yisrael Chai," he declared, underscoring the vitality of the Jewish people.

The 22nd Maccabiah Games thus ended on a high note, celebrating athletic achievement, cultural unity, and remembrance, setting the stage for future gatherings of Jewish athletes worldwide.