Jewish Olympics open in Jerusalem with powerful display of unity

The 2026 Maccabiah Games, often called the “Jewish Olympics,” officially opened in Jerusalem with a powerful celebration of Jewish pride, resilience, and unity, bringing together 5,000 athletes from more than 30 countries less than a year after the event was postponed because of the war with Iran.

Held just days before Israel marks 1,000 days since the October 7 Hamas massacre, the opening ceremony carried deep symbolic weight. President Isaac Herzog called the games “a demonstration of Jewish strength,” while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Jews worldwide to “stand tall” in the face of rising antisemitism.

The sold-out ceremony featured the traditional Parade of Nations, performances by Israel’s leading artists, and the lighting of the Maccabiah torch by Olympic and Paralympic champions. With more than 2,200 Israeli athletes and 900 competitors from the United States, the two-week event is expected to be one of the largest celebrations of global Jewish solidarity ever held in Israel.

“Dear athletes from all around the Jewish world, welcome to the State of Israel. Welcome to your home away from home,” Herzog told the crowd. “Each of you here is a winner. I know you will have a great Maccabiah together, in unity and in love of Israel. Am Yisrael Chai.”