Maccabi USA builds Jewish pride through sports and promotes support for Israel, Zionism, and Jewish continuity through athletic, educational, and cultural experiences for participants of all ages.
Maccabi USA envisions a world where sports serve as a galvanizing force in strengthening Jewish pride, connection, and community.
OUR IMPACT
Maccabi USA strengthens connections to Jewish identity, community, and Israel. But don’t just take our word for it. Let our athletes, coaches, and staff tell you how the Maccabiah impacted their journeys.
Maccabi USA sent its largest delegation ever – 1,300+ people – to Israel this summer for the life-changing Maccabiah. Watch our recap video to get a feel for the athlete experience and see why this Jewish journey leaves such a positive and lasting impact on our youth.
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Following in his parents’ footsteps, Brandon Egdes is headed to Israel this summer to compete in tennis at the 2025 Maccabiah — nearly five decades after they did the same, continuing a family legacy 🎾
Learn more about Brandon’s journey to the Maccabiah in the article written by Maccabi Media student Giorgianna Heiko (🔗 link in bio)
At 76, Larry Greenspon isn’t slowing down—shoulder surgery or not. From discovering tennis at 21 to becoming a Maccabiah legend and changemaker in Israel and Florida, his story proves it’s never too late to find your purpose.
Read more about Larry’s journey to the Maccabiah in the article written by Maccabi Media student Ethan Kopelman (🔗 link in bio)
For @jretz11 and @byufootball it’s all about culture, leading them to 11 wins in 2024
Check out the new episode of the Maccabi USA Sports Show for full interview with Jake Retzlaff available NOW (🔗 link in bio)
On Yom HaShoah, we join together to honor the memory of the six million Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust, as well as the countless others who suffered under Nazi persecution.
We are committed to preserving the memory and strengthening the Jewish community. May this day inspire us to speak out against hatred and educate future generations.
We will never forget.
Zichronam livracha — may their memory be a blessing.
Carrying a legacy, chasing a dream
Ethan Wirtschafter is honoring his grandfather’s Olympic past as he competes with Maccabi USA at the Maccabiah in Israel this summer
Read about Ethan’s journey to the Maccabiah in the article written by Maccabi Media student Louis Leibowitz (🔗 link in bio)
The Alamo Bowl was a BIG TIME W for @jretz11 and @byufootball that showed the power of unity and a strong culture that was built all season
Check out our full interview with Jake Retzlaff tomorrow — you won’t want to miss it!
Elle and Sasha Hartje are reuniting on the ice — this time as teammates at the 2025 Maccabiah!
From backyard rivalries to professional and collegiate stardom, their bond runs deeper than hockey
Read about Elle and Sasha’s journey to the Maccabiah written by Maccabi Media student Charlie Ben-Ami (🔗 link in bio)
Are you ready for the NFL Draft on Thursday? 🏈
We sat down with BYU quarterback @jretz11 to talk about his incredible season, his 2026 draft day dreams and his Jewish experience on campus
Watch the exclusive interview with Jake Retzlaff this Thursday — you won’t want to miss it 🔥
From concussion to confidence — The Headband Golfer Jared Civin is bringing style, spirit, and a love for the game back to Israel
Read about Jared’s journey to the Maccabiah by in the article written by Maccabi Media student Will Hopkins (🔗 link in bio)
From nurse to legend — Marilyn Glaser’s journey with the Maccabiah Games spans nearly 50 years. At 82, she’s still making an impact as an honorary ambassador and U16 Futsal team manager
Read more about Marilyn’s journey to the Maccabiah as written by Maccabi Media student Joelle Kirsch (🔗 link in bio)
From the edge of darkness to the global stage — Michael Ben-Hain’s comeback is more than a story. It’s a testament to hope, grit, and never giving up
Read more about Michael’s journey to the Maccabiah in the article written by Maccabi Media student Michael Liebermann (🔗 link in bio)
Join Maccabi USA alum and Israeli basketball legend Tal Brody and Israeli professional basketball player Jared Armstrong for the J Leaders Forum webinar - Making a Difference On And Off The Court on May 8!
Link to register in bio
From fighter pilot dreams to Hawaiian Airlines captain — and now, surfing her way to the Maccabiah, Adva Amir proves it’s never too late to chase new thrills
Read about Adva’s journey to the Maccabiah in the article written by Maccabi Media student Logan Schicano (🔗 link in bio)
Oded Krashinsky, Head of Security for Maccabi USA, has dedicated his life to protection—from elite IDF operations to safeguarding athletes at the upcoming Maccabiah Games. His leadership and expertise are keeping our team safe.
Read more about Oded’s journey to the Maccabiah in the article written by Maccabi Media student Jane Wineman (🔗link in bio)
It is with profound sorrow that we share news of the tragic loss of beloved member of our Maccabi USA community, alum Karenna Groff. Karenna died in a small plane crash on April 12th alongside her parents Michael Groff and Joy Saini, her brother Jared, her boyfriend James Santoro, and her brother’s girlfriend Alexia Couyutas Duarte. They were traveling together to celebrate Karenna’s 25th birthday and the Passover holiday.
Karenna, a three-time gold medal winner, represented Maccabi USA in Women’s Soccer at the 2017 Maccabiah in Israel, the 2019 European Maccabi Games in Budapest, and the 2023 Pan American Maccabi Games in Buenos Aires. She was a shining star on and off the field. Karenna captained the MIT Women’s Soccer Team and finished her career ranked second all-time in career goals and points (assists and goals).
Karenna was twice nominated for the prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year Award, which she received in 2022 for her work during the COVID-19 pandemic co-founding openPPE, helping to create a new design of masks for essential workers. At MIT, Karenna majored in biological engineering and worked as a research assistant at Boston Children’s Hospital and as an EMT with MIT’s emergency services. She was a second-year student at the Grossman School of Medicine at NYU.
Our thoughts in these difficult times are with the Groff family, in particular Karenna’s sister Anika, a two-time medalist at the 2022 Maccabiah and the 2023 Pan American Games.
It is difficult to find the words to express the heartbreak of sudden loss, particularly of individuals with so much promise and commitment to serving others. While our hearts are heavy, we will remember Karenna and her lasting impact on others, not just as an athlete, but as our tradition celebrates, a true woman of valor.
Please join Anika and Karenna’s Maccabi teammates and coaches in sending your love and support. Together we say זכרונם לברכה zikhronam livracha. May the memory of Karenna and all lost in this tragedy be a blessing.
Miriam Greenfield has spent years telling stories of resilience — now she’s living her own. From cancer to the Grand Canyon, her journey to the 2025 Maccabiah is a powerful reminder: every small step counts
Read the full article written by Maccabi Media student Elie Gelman (🔗 link in bio)
This past weekend, Jewish amateur wrestlers from the U.S. and Israel competed in the first ever Lions of Maccabi Wrestling Tournament
Thank you to everyone who competed, attended our reception and made this event an unforgettable experience!
Michael Goldberg was just 9 years old when the Munich Massacre shook his world. Now, over 50 years later, he’s heading to the Maccabiah Games in Israel—not just to support Maccabi USA, but to honor a lifelong promise, the memory of the Munich Eleven, and his Jewish identity.
Read the full article about Michael Goldberg’s path the the Maccabiah by Maccabi Media student Jack Stankey — link in bio
We wish our Maccabi USA family a Chag Pesach Sameach - Happy Passover!
As we celebrate this Passover, the mantra of “Next year in Jerusalem” rings especially true. This summer, we will be returning to Israel for the 2025 Maccabiah, where we will reconnect with our Jewish heritage through culture, unity, and athletic competition. Our journey will bring over 1,200 U.S. athletes and volunteers to Israel, the largest such group since the atrocities of October 7, 2023.
More than ever, we are eager for our return to the Jewish Homeland and our fight for the return of the hostages remains strong. As we father with our families to celebrate the Festival of Freedom, may those still held captive soon experience the liberation told at the Passover Seder.
Larry and Sandy Slater have travelled the world capturing the most powerful moments in Jewish sports - and this summer, they’re headed to the Maccabiah in Israel
Read the full article about the Slaters’ journey to the Maccabiah by written by Maccabi Media student Ari Wohl (🔗 link in bio)