Shining a Light on Equality

This month, MWU and Maccabiah 2025 headquarters joined 140 landmarks across Israel in lighting up purple to mark the International Day for Equal Rights for People with Disabilities. Purple, the color symbolizing the global disability community, represents our commitment to inclusion and equality.

Since the outbreak of the war, over 80,000 Israelis have suffered physical and psychological injuries, joining the 1.5 million citizens with disabilities already living in Israel. 

“As a global movement with nearly 450,000 members and the organizer of the second-largest sporting event in the world, promoting equality in sports and society is a top priority for us,” says Roy Hessing, CEO of Maccabiah. "The integration of Paralympic competitions into the main Maccabiah Games, rather than hosting them as a separate event, underscores our dedication to this cause.

In the war's early months, we provided refuge for hundreds of massacre survivors and evacuees at Kfar Maccabiah and continue to support IDF soldiers through processing workshops for active and reserve forces. Looking ahead to Maccabiah 2025 – the most significant Maccabiah than ever before – we are more committed than ever to celebrating the power of sports in fostering equality, tolerance, and cultural unity".