"We will do our best and give everything we can to make Maccabiah 2025 great"

This inspiring evening brought together Maccabi leaders, athletes, and visionaries from around the world to celebrate the power of Jewish sports, unity, and resilience while gearing up for the upcoming Maccabiah this summer.

The evening opened with an electrifying performance by acrobatic gymnasts from the Begin Holon association, led by Sarale Miller and Amir Moses.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog sent a special greeting to the Congress participants, and Minister Zohar delivered remarks on behalf of the Israeli Government.

Click here to watch President Herzog's message. 

A moving video showcased unforgettable moments from past Maccabiah Games, highlighting the event’s rich legacy.

The evening was filled with powerful stories of courage and perseverance. A young musician Daniel Veiss, whose parents, Shmulik and Yehudit Veiss, were tragically killed on October 7, performed on stage, sharing how music has been his source of strength and hope.

The audience was introduced to the story of Kfar Aza Foxes - a team that found resilience through sports after their community suffered one of the darkest days in Israeli history. When life was shattered, football became more than just a game—it became a lifeline. In recognition of their unwavering spirit, Amir Peled, Chairman of MWU, and Orly Froman, Deputy Acting Chairperson, presented Foxes players Ofir Okev and Alon Amar with a Certificate of Appreciation.

One of the most emotional moments of the evening came when Sasha Troufanov, who was abducted from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, stood on stage with his mother, Yelena. Last year, Yelena spoke at the Congress, pleading for her son's return. This year, they stood together—free, reunited, and stronger than ever.

"For me, sports have always symbolized the drive to improve yourself every day—to be a better version of yourself", Sasha said. "And in times like these, we need that more than ever. But above all, this event represents unity—for all of Israel, for the Jewish people.” MWU President Michael Siegal and Vice President Lisa Borowick awarded Sasha a Certificate of Appreciation, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Michal Gringlik, sister of Captain Shauli Gringlik, a courageous Nahal officer and talented musician who fell in battle, gave a heartfelt performance of Imagine—a song that became both a prayer and a wish for peace.

The Congress also introduced the official Maccabiah 2025 Ambassadors—extraordinary athletes and Zionist role models: Peter Paltchik, Raz Hershko, Asaf Yasur, Artem Dolgopyat, Moran Samuel, and global icon Montana Tucker. Three of them—Moran Samuel, Asaf Yasur, and Artem Dolgopyat—took the stage to share their excitement for the upcoming Games.

As part of Maccabiah 2025 meaningful collaboration with the IDF Disabled Veterans Organization and Beit Halochem, a special moment was dedicated to Lieutenant Colonel Evyatar Zeitouni, who was critically wounded defending Kibbutz Kisufim on October 7. As part of his rehabilitation, he now rides with Beit Halochem’s hand-cycling team. Last Hanukkah, he lit the Maccabiah Torch at the Tombs of the Maccabees—symbolizing resilience and the unbreakable Jewish spirit. At the Congress, he passed the torch to American basketball player Sam Ruderman, officially launching its global journey.

Another breathtaking performance came from Israel’s Paralympic Wheelchair Ballroom Dance Team—Meital Vaks and Yelena Feitelicher—who performed to I Am a Survivor, a testament to the human spirit's ability to rise above any challenge.

The evening closed with the singing of Hatikva, as attendees remembered those still held hostage in Gaza, prayed for the safety of IDF soldiers, and hoped for the swift return of those displaced from the North and South to their homes.

And now, the countdown begins. Maccabiah 2025 will be more than just a sports competition—it will be a powerful statement from an entire nation:

We are here.
We are strong.
We are united—More Than Ever!

 

 

Photos credit: Ronen Topelberg