The European Maccabi Federation (EMC) was founded in 1947 and includes members from 36 countries across the continent. In this sense, EMC represents the largest region in the Maccabi World Union.
EMC is dedicated to supporting the future of European Jewry – its motto is “Promoting Jewish Activity in Europe” - through sports, educational and cultural activities which promote Jewish identity and continuity. EMC also places a heavy emphasis on Israel and the connection between European Jewry and its brethren in the Jewish state. To this end, EMC runs a number of youth groups, gap year programs, sports tours and seminars, which bring its members to Israel and allow them to meet Maccabi World Union members from Israel and throughout the Jewish world.
EMC encourages young leadership through its education department and Future Leaders Forum. In order to encourage young leaders and give them the leadership skills they need, EMC recently entered a partnership with the Maccabi World Union whereby a number of European young leaders will work with the Junior Maccabi Department during the 2009 Maccabiah. In addition to enhancing their own leadership skills, the young leaders will use their experiences at the Maccabiah to benefit their countries of origin when they return home.
Following the Maccabiah, EMC will be hosting the European Maccabi Games in 2011 in Vienna.
In addition to the European Maccabi Games, which are held every four years, EMC hosts regular sports days and other related activities throughout Europe on the local and regional levels.
More information on the European Maccabi Federation can be found on The Maccabi Europe Website.
