Jerusalem Maccabiah 2022 Launched (Photo Essay)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 08/29/21

President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog participated in the Maccabi World Union's centenary celebrations at Kfar HaMaccabiah in Ramat Gan on Sunday, August 29, 2021. Also, Culture and Sports Minister Hili Tropper, MWU chairman Amir Peled, Maccabiah Games CEO Roy Hessing, and Israeli Olympic medalists attended the event. 

"The Maccabiah has become the second-largest sporting competition in the world after the Olympics. It is also the biggest Jewish-Zionist gathering in the world, and tens of thousands of athletes are expected to come to Israel in a year for a true sporting celebration," said Herzog.  Adding, "There will be athletes here of all ages, from 12 to 90. Among them will be athletes with cognitive and physical disabilities. Thank you to you, the leaders of Maccabi, for wisely opening the gates to everyone. The medals won by Artem, the Maccabi member who brought us a gold medal, and his friends are important and precious, but the participation of people with disabilities warms our collective Jewish and Zionist hearts." 

A 'Night Run' was held in Jerusalem on Sunday evening to launch the year leading up to the Jerusalem Maccabiah Games. Participants ran 5 K and 10 K runs starting near the Knesset and ending in Gan Sacher. Though similar to the Jerusalem Marathon which was not held this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, these races were more relaxed. Masks were required in the park-fenced-off area. Entry was restricted to those presenting a green pass. Security lined the route, and emergency medical staff as well.

In Jerusalem races you see male runners wearing kippot and tzitzit. Females were dressed in skirts over leggings and with sleeves covering elbows, like Adina who came in first. Also, married women wearing caps and scarves on their heads is not unusual.

In a special message in English to members of the Maccabi World Union all around the world, Herzog added: "The centenary of the phenomenal Maccabi World Union is a celebration of Jewish values and a display of continuous Jewish unity, love of Israel, and passion for sports. Although miles apart, we know that we all belong to the same people, and prolonged social distancing and imposed restrictions cannot diminish the bond we share. I applaud Maccabi members, in every club and continent around the globe, for your fortitude and dedication, and I look forward to greeting each and everyone, in Israel, a year from now, at the Maccabiah."