A Night That Brought Us Together, More Than Ever

More than 5,000 athletes alongside 6,000 officials and guests from 45 countries came together at Jerusalem's Teddy Stadium for an unforgettable Opening Ceremony, celebrating the start of Maccabiah 2026 - the most meaningful Maccabiah Games of our generation. 

Filled with music, emotion and powerful moments, this evening - watched live by 30,000 viewers around the world -  was far more than the opening of an international sporting event. It was a celebration of Jewish unity, resilience, and pride, bringing together generations, communities and athletes from across the globe to our shared home – Israel. 

The ceremony opened with the traditional Parade of Delegations, as thousands of athletes proudly marched into the stadium carrying the flags of their home countries. From first-time participants to delegations that have taken part in every Maccabiah since 1932, the parade reflected the incredible diversity of our global Maccabi family, featuring representatives from: Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Gibraltar, Great Britain, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Italy, Netherlands, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela and Zimbabwe. 

Among the largest delegations were Team USA, Team Argentina, Team Mexico, Team Brazil, Team Germany, and Team Israel – the largest Israeli delegation in Maccabiah history, with 2,000 athletes, including Israel Police officers, veteran athletes from the Israel Paralympic Committee, athletes from the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization who were injured during the war, and athletes from the communities of the western Negev, the Eshkol Regional Council, and Israel's northern border communities. 

Families from the Druze community carried the Maccabiah banner in memory of the 12 children who lost their lives in the football field tragedy in Majdal Shams, while the Israeli flag was carried by young Olim from 11 different countries. A moving performance by Montana Tucker and an emotional rendition of Hatikvah, accompanied by wounded IDF veteran and musician Noam Harosh, brought the entire stadium together as voices and accents from across the Jewish world sang Israel's national anthem as one.

A deeply moving Yizkor prayer, led by the parents of Captain Eden Nimri, who fell in battle defending the Nahal Oz military outpost on October 7, paid tribute to Israel's fallen heroes across generations and reflected the courage, sacrifice and unwavering spirit that continue to unite the Jewish people worldwide.

President Isaac Herzog welcomed athletes from around the world to their "home away from home," saying: "Your gathering here in Jerusalem, in this beautiful event, from all over the world, for the opening of the 2026 Maccabiah, fills us with enormous pride and fills this stadium with magnificent energy! Each of you here is a winner! Am Yisrael Chai!".

Prime Minister Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a special message, saying: "We are one nation, one family, with one destiny. And what I'm asking you, in the face of antisemitism, is: stand tall, stand proud, do not bend, stay strong, stay together, and together we shall win".

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion highlighted the Maccabiah's role in strengthening the connection between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, saying: "The thousands of athletes gathered here tonight are first and foremost members of one family - a people whose hearts are forever connected to Jerusalem, a city that continues to inspire hope, strength, and pride. My sincere thanks to Maccabi World Union for making this Maccabiah possible, reminding us of the extraordinary power of sport to unite millions of people across the globe".

The evening featured spectacular performances by some of Israel's leading artists, including Yuval Raphael, Netta Barzilai, Anna Zak, Idan Raichel, Daniella Gilboa and Itay Levi, alongside breathtaking visual effects and pyrotechnics.

A special video presentation celebrated the story of MWU and the Maccabiah, highlighting their lasting impact on Jewish communities around the world. From decades of educational and Zionist activity to extensive support for Israeli communities throughout the war, the film reflected our shared values of solidarity and responsibility under the leadership of MWU Chairman Amir Peled, whose vision and dedication have guided the movement throughout this challenging period. 

“The first Maccabiah Games kicked off in 1932”, said Peled. “Since then, for 90 years, except for a break during the Holocaust, the Maccabiah Games have been held continuously. We are at the 22nd Maccabaih, in 2026, during one of the most challenging times the Jewish people and the state of Israel are experiencing. Despite all this, we are here, at Teddy stadium in Jerusalem. The very fact that you came to Israel during this challenging time is the true victory”.

“The Maccabiah gives to athletes from across the Jewish world the opportunity to experience sports, compete and strive for medals. But just as importantly, it fosters solidarity among us. Sports are just part of the story”.

“Since October 7th and until today, Maccabi has stepped up in full force. We are among the first to host evacuees, the hostages and military battalions on their way north and south at Kfar Maccabiah. Maccabi World Union at Kfar Maccabiah represents the essence of Israeli identity. Brotherhood, solidarity, a bond that will never be broken. Dear athletes, dear guests, may the 2026 Maccabiah Games be the most successful of all. Good luck to each and everyone of you”. 

The Athletes' and Officials' Oath for the 2026 Maccabiah was led by Israel's most decorated judoka, a two-time Olympic medalist - bronze in the individual event at Paris and silver in the mixed team event at Tokyo - Peter Paltchik. 

One of the night’s most powerful moments came during the traditional Torch Lighting Ceremony. President of Israel Isaac Herzog and MWU President Michael Siegal proudly declared the Games open, saying: “It is our honor to declare the 22nd Maccabiah Games officially open! This is the time, this is the place, and this is the moment. Light the torch!”

The iconic Maccabiah torch was carried by Major Evyatar Zytuni, an IDF disabled veteran and former paratrooper who was seriously wounded while defending Kibbutz Kissufim on October 7; Menashe Zalka, captain of Hapoel Hadera and one of the very few professional footballers in Israel to combine a successful Premier League career with active reserve duty as a combat soldier in the Paratroopers' Orev Reconnaissance Unit; Sheran Yeini, former captain of Maccabi Tel Aviv, who led the club to some of its greatest achievements; and Ofir Shaham, a member of Israel's national rhythmic gymnastics team and an Olympic silver medalist from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. 

The torch was lit by Asaf Yasur, Paralympic taekwondo champion and Paris 2024 gold medalist, and Inbar Lanir, a World Champion and Olympic silver medalist at Paris 2024, who is currently preparing to Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

 Phoros credit: Gilad Kavalerchik 

As the flame illuminated Teddy Stadium, it symbolized far more than the beginning of Maccabiah 2026. It represented hope, renewal and strength in the face of the challenges we all have overcome, as well as the unbreakable bond between Israel and Jewish communities around the world – always and forever, More Than Ever.