Israel Connect
Maccabi USA’s Israel Connect program is a 6-day immersive journey focused on building connection to one’s own Jewish Identity, the American Jewish community, Israel, and global Diaspora Jewry. It has become the cornerstone of the US delegation’s 3-week Maccabiah experience. Thank you to our sponsors and supporters for helping make this possible, including: the JNF-USA Boruchin Center, the Seed the Dream Foundation, the Paul Singer Family Foundation, the Jewish Education Project/RootOne, and Maccabi World Union/Kfar Maccabiah.
Israel Connect – Top Stories
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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)