Team Maccabi GB to carry British Jewish pride onto world stage at Maccabiah Games
A reduced British delegation will compete in Jerusalem, saying its presence reflects solidarity with Israel and the resilience of Jewish communities
A small Team Maccabi GB delegation will travel to Israel next week to represent the British Jewish community at the Maccabiah Games, with organisers saying this year’s team carries added significance following one of the most challenging periods in Israel’s recent history.
The Games, which open in Jerusalem on 1 July, are the first to be held since they were postponed following the 7 October attacks and the war that followed. While the British delegation is much smaller than originally planned, Maccabi GB said those travelling will represent the wider community as well as the athletes who had hoped to compete.
Often described as the “Jewish Olympics”, the Maccabiah Games have brought together Jewish athletes from around the world since 1932, celebrating sporting excellence while strengthening ties between Israel and Jewish communities across the Diaspora.
Maccabi GB chairman Jonathan Prevezer said the team’s participation this year carried particular meaning.
“While Maccabi GB will be represented at the Games, it is not in the way any of us imagined when we began this journey,” he said.
“Our athletes, coaches and managers have shown extraordinary commitment, sacrifice and resilience. When our delegation marches into the Opening Ceremony in Jerusalem, they will carry not only the Union Jack and the Maccabi GB flag, but also the hopes, efforts and spirit of every member of the wider delegation who should have been alongside them.”
Great Britain will compete in five sports during the Games.
Jonathan Rubeck will represent Team Maccabi GB in chess, while Benjamin Crystal and Jonathan Zilberman will compete in Maccabi Man.
The Masters tennis squad includes Danny Caro, Samantha Cohen, David Menton, Sarah Schecter and Tony Wollenberg. In the Open tennis competition, Ollie Alexenicer, Daniel Ben-Yair, Davide Ben-Yair, Matan Ben-Yair and Jacob Caro will represent Great Britain. Mark Feldman will compete in pickleball.
Maccabi GB also paid tribute to the volunteers and officials who helped ensure Britain would be represented at this year’s Games despite the difficulties surrounding their organisation.
General Team Manager Andrew Myers and Assistant General Team Managers Natalie Kenton, Laurence Myers and Danny Schindler were thanked for their leadership throughout the planning process, while organisers also recognised the commitment of coaches, managers and athletes who continued training despite prolonged uncertainty.
Although the British team will also be competing for sporting success, organisers said simply taking part this year sends a powerful message of solidarity with Israel and the Jewish community.
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