Global Maccabi Family Stands with Israel

Earlier this month, Maccabi World Union leadership and delegates from across the globe gathered in Israel for a powerful five-day Solidarity Mission (September 7-11). Coming from five continents, they shared one clear purpose: to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel during these challenging times.

The mission highlighted the strength of the global Maccabi family — raising awareness of rising antisemitism, learning how to combat it in their communities, and most importantly, showing Israelis that they are not alone.

Throughout the week, participants — including Michael Siegal, President MWU (USA), Esteban Bluvol, President FACCMA (Argentina), Michael Ziff, Vice President MWU (UK), Bill Izso, MWU Executive Board Member (Canada), Jeffrey Binder, Board Member (Maccabi USA), Scott Berger, Board Member (Maccabi USA), Michael and Lisa Borowick, Vice President MWU (Australia), Tommy Bacher, President Maccabi Canada, Philip Stern, Board Member (Maccabi USA), and Marshall Einhorn, CEO Maccabi USA — met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who discussed the current situation in the Middle East, praised Maccabi’s leadership for its unwavering support, and spoke about the unifying power of sports and the importance of the upcoming Maccabiah: "I truly and sincerely want the war to end soon so that we will have the best Maccabiah", President Herzog said.

Michael Siegal, who led this important initiative, explained: “We came here as Maccabi leadership to show support for the people of Israel. We want them to see that they truly have support from around the world. We want the people of Israel to know that global Jewry stands with them regardless of what the media tells us. We appreciate the president and his wife for their support for our movement and the games which are going to occur next year".

Mission members also met with the Israeli Minister of Culture and Sports, Miki Zohar, and traveled north to Majdal Shams for a moving encounter with the Druze community, still mourning the tragic 2024 Hezbollah missile attack on a soccer field that claimed the lives of 12 children. The visit included a discussion with the Head of the Majdal Shams Council about the difficulties facing the community today and the strong bonds between them and their Jewish neighbors.

Additional visits to Hostages Square, Metula, Ramat Gan, and military bases deepened the group’s understanding of Israel’s current realities and resilience, while lectures from Former Mossad Head Tamir Pardo and Former Air Force Commander Amir Eshel, among others, added insight and inspiration.

"This solidarity mission by MWU was one of the most relevant, informative, and impactful trips I have ever taken", shared Jeffrey Binder, Maccabi USA Board Member and newcomer to MWU activities in Israel. "At this incredibly important time in Israeli relations with the world and the Jewish diaspora, being able to accurately communicate back home what’s really going on in Israel is vital to keeping this relationship trusted and strong. The program was conceptualized with great thought, intelligence, and care — hopefully there will be many more to come! I am eternally grateful to have been a part of it".

Esteban Bluvol, president of FACCMA Argentina, added: "We spent some incredible days in Israel. The delegation visited places and heard testimonies to understand the current situation of Israeli society. I am proud to have been able to participate, and I am returning to my country to share this with my community and my people. Together we do better, together we are stronger. Identity, commitment, unity, resilience, unconditional support, pride, continuity, family — these are some of the words that describe my days".

Lisa Borowick, Vice President MWU, Australia, reflected: "It really was a privilege to spend five days on MWU solidarity mission with some of our Maccabi family. The program was well planned. Emotionally, it was a roller coaster. First of all, it’s clear that the Israeli people are under incredible stress and fatigue — 700 plus days of terror, war, and constant anxiety with no end in sight is unsustainable and unimaginable. And yet every day they smile, laugh, argue, drink coffee, create traffic jams, work, respect democracy, and keep an eye out for each other. Nowhere else in the world do you check in with all your family when the news announces a terror attack in Jerusalem and then go back to 'normal' living''.

"The mission provided a first-hand view of the communities living in the north", she continued.  "We picked apples on the Lebanon border and met with incredibly resilient Metula farmers. For many years at the Maccabiah ISC, I heard about the ice hockey stadium in Metula. The war damaged the arena, and hopefully it will be rebuilt soon — though naturally, priority is being given to homes and businesses. Seeing how close they live to Lebanon brings home the reality of how small Israel is geographically. I hope the hostages will be returned today, and that children can play sports safely, go to school, travel, and enjoy life without sirens".

This unforgettable journey reminded us once again that Maccabi is more than just sports — it is a global family bound by an unbreakable connection to our Jewish identity, one another, and the state of Israel.

Thank you so much for being part of the mission  – your presence and solidarity meant the world to us!