July 5, 2026
The Maccabiah has begun: Thousands of Jewish athletes have arrived in Israel
צילום: אתר המכביה
The 2026 Maccabiah Games opened with a festive ceremony at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem.
Thousands of Jewish athletes from dozens of countries attended the event.
The opening ceremony featured a large audience and guests from Israel and around the world.
The Maccabiah is considered the largest Jewish sports event in the world.
End of Hebrew Preview
For an immersive experience with the full text, translations, pronunciation, a personal dictionary and other interactive features, download our mobile app
This year, it is being held under the slogan 'More Than Ever'. The goal is to strengthen the bond between Israel and world Jewry. During the next two weeks, competitions will be held in dozens of sports disciplines. More than 8,000 athletes from 45 countries are participating in the competitions.
The opening ceremony featured a parade of delegations from different countries. There were performances by Israeli artists. Judoka Inbar Lanir and Taekwondo fighter Asaf Yasur lit the Maccabiah torch.
The games are being held in various cities across Israel. They will continue until the middle of July.