"Proud of our contributions to Israeli society and the global Jewish community over the past year"

MWU and Maccabiah Annual Congress opened with the 2024 Impact Report, updating attendees on the Movement's meaningful activities during the last year. 

Responding to Crisis

In response to the tragic events of October 7, 2023, which displaced over 200,000 Israelis, Maccabi World Union swiftly transformed its Kfar Maccabiah complex in Ramat Gan into a refuge for nearly 1,000 evacuees. The facility provided free accommodations, daily meals, educational programs, emotional support, and engaging activities for children and teens. Additionally, Kfar Maccabiah Hotel played a crucial role in a national mission—hosting the families of returning hostages and, later, the hostages themselves.

Fighting Antisemitism & Strengthening Jewish Communities  

MWU continued its mission of supporting global Jewry by forging coalitions with organizations worldwide to combat antisemitism. The Israeli Ministry of Diaspora selected MWU to assess Jewish organizations seeking Israeli government support, further solidifying its role as a leader in Jewish advocacy.

Key Initiatives 

Maccabiah Camp Experience: Launched in the summer of 2024 in partnership with Maccabi USA, this initiative brought the excitement of the world’s largest Jewish sports event to camps across North America. Elite Maccabi athletes led sports clinics, training young campers while strengthening their connection to the Maccabi Movement.

UNBROKEN: This powerful exhibition shares firsthand accounts of athletes and fans affected by the October 7 attacks and highlights the issue of antisemitism in international sports. More than a story of tragedy, UNBROKEN – now traveling the globe and spreading its powerful message to communities worldwide - celebrates the unyielding spirit of Jewish and Israeli perseverance.

Maccabi Women’s Forum: Since its launch in May 2024, the Forum has grown rapidly. It now brings together women leaders from 27 cities across the globe to discuss issues relevant to women within Maccabi and the Jewish community.

Maccabi Israel Basketball Experience program: The first cohort of young athletes arrived in Israel for a groundbreaking year-long basketball program at Kfar Maccabiah. Combining elite coaching, high-level competition, and deep cultural immersion, 10 players from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Australia competed in Israel’s IBBA B League while engaging in volunteering, interning in hi-tech, and bonding with host families. This program is set to evolve into a premier global sports academy, shaping the next generation of athletes.

YACHAD Israel Program: Bringing together global Jewish volunteers to support Israel in its time of need, participants worked in agriculture, assembled care packages for soldiers and evacuees, and prepared meals at military bases—strengthening the bond between Jewish communities worldwide and the people of Israel.

Maccabi Tzair: Operating in over 70 countries, MWU’s global youth movement empowers Jewish youth through sports, leadership, and Zionist values, fostering meaningful connections across continents.

2024 MWU Congress: Over 200 Maccabi leaders gathered for five days of solidarity, strategic planning, and preparation for the 2025 Maccabiah. Before the Congress, many participants volunteered at food distribution centers supporting Israel’s war effort. The Congress opened with a moving tribute to the victims of October 7 and those who sacrificed their lives in defense of Israel. Participants also visited impacted communities and met with frontline responders and IDF soldiers around the country.

 

Maccabi Shlichim: A joint venture with the Jewish Agency for Israel, this program fosters Jewish and Zionist identity across North America and Mexico. In 2024, seven Shlichim (young Israeli adults) served in Philadelphia, New York, Washington DC, Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale, Pittsburgh, and Tucson, with a new Shlicha joining in CDI Mexico this year.

Global Jewish Leadership & Education 

MWU's Education Department trained over 2,000 educators, young adults, and adult leaders across North America, Latin America, and Europe, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to Zionism and Jewish continuity. 2024 also included the European Maccabi Youth Games, with young athletes from 14 countries gathering in London to meet and compete.

Ensuring a Strong Future

MWU continued to expand its partnerships, strengthening collaborations with organizations such as the JCC Association and BBYO and growing its online community across social platforms. Amid growing financial challenges, MWU established a dedicated endowment fund in the U.S. to help offset costs for Maccabiah 2025, ensuring the event remains accessible to Jewish athletes worldwide. 

  A heartfelt thank you to everyone who makes these remarkable achievements possible! Here’s to another year of impact, unity, and resilience!