Culture · Full coverage

President Herzog Opens 22nd Maccabiah Games in Jerusalem with Call for Unity and Strength

How 4 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.

President Herzog Opens 22nd Maccabiah Games in Jerusalem with Call for Unity and Strength
75% center
Center 3Right 1

First reported by Ynet · 9 hours ago

What happened

President Isaac Herzog opened the 22nd Maccabiah Games in Jerusalem, welcoming thousands of Jewish athletes worldwide and linking the event to Israel's ongoing security challenges. He emphasized Jewish unity and resilience amid rising antisemitism, urging athletes to convey a message of love from Israel. The games, postponed to 2026 due to war, symbolize a strong Zionist statement and a celebration of Jewish strength.

  • 01President Herzog opened the 22nd Maccabiah Games in Jerusalem with a speech emphasizing Jewish unity and strength.
  • 02The event welcomed thousands of Jewish athletes from around the world amid ongoing Israeli security challenges.
  • 03Herzog linked the games to Israel's prolonged war and rising global antisemitism, calling the people victorious.
  • 04The Maccabiah was postponed from 2025 to 2026 due to the war, underscoring its symbolic importance.
  • 05The torch was lit at the Maccabees' tombs by Olympic triathlete Shahar Shagiv before a global relay to Jerusalem.
  • 06The opening ceremony included artistic performances, a parade of delegations, and a packed stadium celebration.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

In this story
People
Isaac HerzogMickey Zohar
OrganizationsMaccabiah Games

Full coverage · 4 outlets

The same event, reported separately by each newsroom. Open a few to compare what each emphasizes — and what they leave out.

SrugimRight · Hebrew36 minutes ago
President Herzog Opens 22nd Maccabiah Games in Jerusalem with Call for Unity and Strength
Channel 13Center · Hebrew1 hour ago
25th Maccabiah Games Kick Off in Jerusalem with 5,000 Athletes from Over 30 Countries
Kan NewsCenter · Hebrew5 hours ago
Maccabiah Games Kick Off in Jerusalem with 180 Million Shekel Budget and 300 Million Expected Revenue
YnetCenter · Hebrew9 hours ago
25th Maccabiah Games Open in Jerusalem with Global Athletes and Ceremonial Torch Lighting

Related stories

Jewish Athletes Worldwide Honor Israel Ahead of Maccabiah 2026 Opening Ceremony3 days agoBefore the 22nd Maccabiah, a look back at the games’ most iconic Jewish sports momentsJun 24, 2026Maccabiah 22 Launches After Delay, With About 10,000 Jewish Athletes Expected in IsraelJun 16, 2026Israeli Olympic Medalists Praise Maccabiah Games as Special Event Ahead of 2026 Opening2 hours agoPresident Herzog Warns of Deep Divisions in Israel Ahead of Elections1 day agoThousands of Israeli Police Deployed to Secure Maccabiah Games Across the Country13 hours ago