“We wanted to remember a trip that allowed us to celebrate our Jewish identity and pride to the fullest and it was even more special having so many people rooting for us and our future together.”
Jordan Schilit (Charlotte, NC)Open Track & Field
“The idea of bridging nations, finding true soulmates, and deepening relationships represents the true fabric of my life. From Florida to Hadera to Budapest, the Maccabiah spirit reigns true!“
Matt Rosen (St. Petersburg, FL)Accommodations Manager
“What a surreal and indescribable moment. Being surrounded by Jewish athletes from all over the world with similar goals and values is something that is difficult to put into words.”
Chelsey Goldberg (Agoura Hills, CA)Captain – Open Women’s Ice Hockey
“We all learn life lessons especially from playing team sports. Adapted sports opportunities level the playing field and help to provide a vehicle for creating further societal inclusion.”
Michael Rosenkrantz (Palm Desert, CA)Coach – Paralympic Basketball
“Returning from Israel, I felt more educated about life in Israel and more connected to and proud of my Jewish culture than I ever had before, and I am very excited to go back!”
Molly Tenenbaum (Pacific Palisades, CA)Open Women’s Softball
“I am so grateful for the opportunities created by Maccabi USA to build Jewish pride through sports. I am proud to be Jewish, and to have had the chance to share that with others in Israel this summer was simply amazing.”
Leah Matusow (Dresher, PA)Co-Head Coach – U16 Girls’ Basketball
“The 21st Maccabiah was an experience of a lifetime – the beginning of many wonderful friendships, the realization of my goal to compete and medal internationally, and the continuation of my journey as a Jewish woman in sports.”
Julia Kerpel (Highland Park, IL)U18 Karate
“I grew personally & professionally during my three weeks in Israel… And while I wasn’t competing for gold in the Maccabiah, I was doing what I love in a country that is a second home to me.”
Noam Watt (Lexington, MA)Maccabi Media
“The experience I had on this day helped me to understand that I am not alone in this world, and I have the ability to support and remember others who have faced and are facing struggles I could not previously imagine.”
Lauren Brendlinger (Ashburn, VA)Open Women’s Gymnastics(on her visit to Yad Vashem)