Maccabi USA / Sports for Israel

MACCABI USA/SPORTS FOR ISRAEL

Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel, the sponsor of the U.S. Maccabiah Team, was founded in 1948, only weeks after the dream of a Jewish homeland had finally been realized. Its purpose was two-fold: (1) to help Israel develop as a nation through physical education and sport; and (2) to promote fitness and athletics among Jewish youth in the U.S. and Israel. The organization strives, through sports competitions, to provide American athletes with a Jewish experience - to enrich their lives, to heighten their sense of Jewish identity, to strengthen their connection to Israel and to foster feelings of Jewish pride. As the official representative of Maccabi World Union in the United States, the organization oversees all international Maccabi activities in the U.S.

MACCABIAH HISTORY...

Since their inception in 1932 the Maccabiah Games have grown in many ways, but the vibrant feelings and the excitement experienced by the participants remain the same. From 1953, the Games have been held every four years in Israel in the year following the Olympics. In 2009, more than 8,500 world-class athletes from more than 55countries are expected to participate in the 18th Maccabiah, which promises to be the biggest and most exciting ever held. The U.S. expects to bring a team of more than 900 to Israel. Olympians such as swimmers Mark Spitz and Lenny Krayzelburg, gymnasts Mitch Gaylord and Kerri Strug (honorary Team Captain), NBA basketball players Dolph and Danny Schayes and Ernie Grunfeld, tennis star Brad Gilbert and World Cup soccer player Jeff Agoos have previously participated as members of the U.S. Maccabiah Team.

YACHAD

In Hebrew, “Yachad” means together. For the U.S. Maccabiah Team, Yachad is a program that requires a shared financial commitment from all of us to fund the U.S. Team and to ensure the success of the Games. Every member of the U.S. Team must contribute a minimum amount in support of the Maccabiah and Maccabi USA. Yachad funds are a contribution to Maccabi USA and are non-refundable. All Donations, Gifts and Contributions are Tax Deductible as allowed by law. The money need not be an out-of-pocket expense; it may be raised. Maccabi USA has a variety of programs that may assist you in your fundraising efforts. Together, we will make this the best Maccabiah ever.


THE TEAM...

The team has not been picked yet....check back.