Until We Meet Again

After two unforgettable weeks of competition, friendship and Jewish unity across Israel, thousands of athletes, supporters and guests from around the world gathered at Expo Tel Aviv on July 13 for the Closing Ceremony of Maccabiah 2026, bringing this extraordinary journey to an emotional close.

The evening opened with a powerful performance featuring the Olympic medalist, World Champion, European Champion and Maccabiah ambassador Artem Dolgopyat, Maccabiah athletes, singers, and dancers, and continued with the Parade of Flags, as flag bearers entered the stage accompanied by the song "Waving Flag", culminating with the Israeli flag. 

Israel's Minister of Culture and Sport, Mr. Miki Zohar, welcomed the Maccabiah participants, emphasizing that the Games were about far more than sport. "Over the past two weeks, a meaningful connection was created between Jews from around the world, the people of Israel, and the State of Israel. As you return home, you take with you not only unforgettable memories, but also a stronger bond with Israel," he said. 

A moving tribute film honored the victims of October 7 and all those who have fallen since, highlighting the enduring spirit of Israeli and Jewish resilience.

Chairman of the Maccabiah Assaf Goren thanked  the Maccabiah athletes and guests, saying: “Two weeks ago, you arrived in Israel from across the world. Despite everything happening around us, you chose to come. You chose to stand with the State of Israel. Over the past two weeks, you competed, challenged yourselves, built friendships, and demonstrated extraordinary sportsmanship”.

“We promised a year ago that this Maccabiah will be a meaningful Maccabiah and I do hope that all of you go back home with a meaningful experience, more than ever”.

The medal presentation ceremony included honoring the Maccabi Man and Maccabi Woman athletes who have demonstrated exceptional determination and endurance by competing in one of the Games' toughest challenges, as well as the announcement of the MVPs of the 2026 Maccabiah Games: Isla George – U.S. National Team Swimmer, winning USA Open Women - Gold- 1500 free - 800 free relay Silver- 4 X 100 free relay, 4 x 100 mixed free relay, 4 X 100 medley relay, 4 x 100 mixed medley relay Bronze- 400 free, 4 X 50 mixed medley relay; and Gimra Imra who immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia at the age of 19 and began competing in long-distance running and won first place in the 5K race in Herzliya, second place in the half marathon, first place in the mile race, and first place in the 10K race at Haruvit Forest, while also representing Israel in the marathon at two Olympic Games: Tokyo 2020 & Paris 2024. 

 The ceremonial transfer of the Official Maccabiah Flag to the World Jewish Sports Museum, led by the Chairman of KKL–JNF Eyal Ostrinsky, reflected the lasting legacy of the Games, inspiring and uniting generations to come.  

The ceremony concluded as Artem Dolgopyat extinguished the Maccabiah flame, marking the official close of the Games, until the next Maccabiah, followed by a celebration party with live music and DJ set by Dalit Rechester.

Looking back on the Games, MWU and Maccabiah CEO Roy Hessing emphasized that this Maccabiah held significance far beyond sport. "Bringing together thousands of participants from Israel and across the Jewish world sent a clear message that we are strong and united. More than ever, we are one global Maccabi family.”

"I’m so proud that we managed to deliver a significant, exciting, and powerful event – one that is much more than just another sports competition. It is an event that connects Jewish communities around the world with the State of Israel and gives us all a tremendous sense of pride".

 Photos credit: Ilanit Kitzoni, Magled & Rotem Lahav

As the Maccabiah 2026 Games come to an end, we want to thank each and every one of you for being part of this historic event. The friendships we've built, the connections we've created, the memories we've shared, and the incredible spirit that filled these Games will stay with us for many years to come. We became one family - and we are already looking forward to welcoming you all back to Israel for the next Maccabiah!