READY, SET, LOVE
When Leo first met Debbie at the Maccabiah Games, they never imagined it would be forever. Could the next Maccabiah love story be yours?
- 26 February, 2025
The Maccabiah is more than a sports event—it’s a celebration of Jewish connection, shared values, and unforgettable experiences. Every four years, thousands of Jewish athletes worldwide come to Israel to compete, creating countless new connections – some may even embark on a lifelong journey.
Leo and Debbie's Friedman love story began at the 1989 Maccabiah and has flourished for 35 years. They met at a vibrant Samba party during the Bar Mitzvah Maccabiah. Among 2,000 people, their paths crossed, and as Debbie remembers, "We clicked immediately".
Despite the distance, their connection remained unbreakable. After the Games, Leo, a tennis team manager, returned to Germany, while Debbie, a dedicated volunteer from Colombia living in Israel, stayed home. Yet, their bond only grew stronger. Leo traveled to Israel to see Debbie, and she visited him in Germany until, within just a few months, they were married in Tel Aviv. Today, they remain happily married and live in the United States.
Who knows? At the next Maccabiah, you might not just meet teammates—you could find your soulmate!
