Maccabiah Games

What are the Maccabiah Games?

The Maccabiah Games are the international multi-sport games of the Jewish world, held in Israel every four years. Open to Jewish athletes from around the globe and to Israeli athletes, they span more than 40 sports in four divisions — junior, open, masters and para — and rank among the largest multi-sport events on the world calendar.^[1] [2] The 2026 edition drew roughly 5,000 athletes from more than 40 countries.^[3]

Who organizes the Maccabiah Games?

The Games are organized by the Maccabi World Union, the global Jewish sports organization, together with its national territorial organizations (such as Maccabi USA and Maccabi GB), which assemble and enter their countries' delegations.^[1] [2]

When and where are they held?

Every four years in Israel, traditionally in July, with ceremonies and competition in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa and venues across the country.^[2] [3]

The 22nd Maccabiah, scheduled for July 2025, was postponed a year by the Israel–Iran war and held 1–13 July 2026; the 21st was likewise moved from 2021 to 2022 by the pandemic.^[4] [3]

Since when do they exist?

The first Maccabiah was held in Tel Aviv in 1932, with 390 athletes from 18 countries; the Games have been held in Israel on a four-year cycle in the post-war era and have grown into a fixture of world Jewish life.^[1] [2]

How do athletes qualify?

Athletes are selected and entered by their country's Maccabi territorial organization — typically through trials, standards or committee selection run by each delegation (Maccabi USA, Maccabi Canada, and counterparts worldwide). Eligibility is open to Jewish athletes internationally and to Israeli citizens, within each division's age and sport rules.^[1] [2]

Why do the Maccabiah Games matter?

The Maccabiah is one of the largest multi-sport events in the world by participation, and its open division regularly features Olympians and national-team athletes — Olympic champions from swimming and gymnastics among its alumni and ambassadors.^[2] [3] Selection to a national Maccabiah delegation and medals in the open division are established international honors within world Jewish sport.^[1]

Who competes?

National delegations assembled by Maccabi organizations on every continent — the largest historically from the United States and Israel — spanning junior prospects, elite open-division competitors, masters athletes and para athletes.^[2] [3]