The Maccabiah Games, the flagship enterprise of the Maccabi World Union, stand as the largest Jewish sporting event on the globe and the second-largest sporting spectacle in the entire world, immediately following the Olympic Games. This tradition, held in Israel once every four years, brings together over 10,000 Jewish athletes representing approximately 80 countries worldwide. The participants compete on the main stage in about 45 different sports, accompanied by the support of tens of thousands of enthusiastic spectators and fans.
Beyond being a competitive arena characterized by the highest sporting standards and founded upon the principles of excellence, mutual respect, and fair play, the Maccabiah bears a profound value-driven mission. One of the core objectives of the Games is to facilitate encounters among young Jewish men and women from across the globe, to cultivate their national identity, and to deepen their bond with the State of Israel.
The Maccabiah competitions are conducted across four main categories:
- Open: The flagship category intended for the elite athletes within each delegation. This track is open to competitors without age restrictions and is governed in accordance with the international sports regulations of each respective discipline.
- Juniors: A competitive framework for young athletes aged 15 to 18, subject to fulfilling the requisite qualifying criteria.
- Masters: A category designed for veteran and mature athletes wishing to take an active part in the Games, which is internally subdivided into specific age groups.
- Paralympics: Dedicated competition heats for athletes with disabilities.
