2025 Maccabiah Postponement FAQ
Updated July 10, 2025
We are looking forward to next summer when we will gather as a global Jewish sports community in Israel. The Games will be among the most exciting, meaningful and impactful in the history of the Maccabiah, and we look forward to marching alongside you as we proudly march into Teddy Stadium together on July 1, 2026.
Below you will find answers to several questions related to next summer’s Maccabiah. Thank you for your patience as we update this list with additional questions as answers become available.
DATES & FEES
What are the dates of the Maccabiah in 2026?
June 30 – July 14, 2026, with Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, July 1.
What are the dates for Training Camp and Israel Connect in 2026?
Training Camp (for participating teams) will take place June 29-30, 2026, flights departing June 28, prior to the Maccabiah.
Israel Connect will take place July 14–20, 2026, following the conclusion of the Maccabiah Games. Israel Connect is happening after the Games this year — a new format — and we’re confident it will offer the same powerful experience: building deeper connections to the land and people of Israel and strengthening bonds with your Maccabi USA teammates.
I am currently a team member for 2025 and want to participate in 2026. Is my roster spot secure? What do I need to do?
Yes, we look forward to you participating in 2026! In order to retain your spot, you simply need to fill out this form. If a refund is requested, we will add you to the alternate list.
What is the refund policy for 2026?
The Maccabi USA refund policy for the Maccabiah in the summer of 2026 can be found here.
I am not currently a team member for 2026. How do I apply to participate in 2026?
If you’d like to join the USA delegation for the 2026 Games, the official application will open on September 3, 2026. The application will remain open if there are still unfilled roster spots — or for those who want to be considered an alternate should a spot become available at a later date.
We’re excited you’re interested in joining the team, and we look forward to reviewing your application!
REFUNDS
Can I request a refund?
If for some reason, you are unable to participate in 2026, you may request a refund by completing this form by September 2, 2025. Team members will be refunded in full the amount they personally paid, less $700 which represents the value of the team apparel and competitive uniform. Please note that refunds are contingent upon our ability to recoup the necessary funds from our partners at Maccabi World Union and EL AL. To request a refund, please fill out this form.
What if I request a refund after September 2?
Team members who request a refund after September 2 will be subject to the updated 2026 Maccabiah refund policy.
I fundraised for a portion of my participation; will my contributors be refunded?
Yes — if you’re eligible for a refund, your contributors can also be reimbursed. You’ll need to provide a prioritized list of donors to receive refunds (up to the refundable amount), along with their mailing addresses so we can issue refund checks. Note for Masters athletes and Volunteers (Coaches, Managers, Medical Team, etc.): For any portion of the payment that was considered a charitable contribution, we recommend donors consult with their tax advisor before requesting or accepting a refund.
Can I donate a portion of the refund amount due back?
Yes, there is a field on the refund request form to indicate a donation amount. As a non-profit serving an important mission for the Jewish community, Maccabi USA encourages delegation members to donate (as a tax-deductible charitable contribution) some or all of the amount due back to them. We understand everyone’s circumstance is different and appreciate any donations to help us bridge the unexpected gap in our operations caused by the postponement.
I would like to participate in 2026. Can I request a refund and pay later?
By requesting a refund (full or partial), you will be placed on the alternate list, and another applicant may be selected to fill your spot.
I withdrew from the delegation previously and want to be added back to the team.
Following the refund request window, there will be a process for filling vacant positions. Team members who were previously appointed and withdrew will be among those who receive consideration for the 2026 team.
I am a Masters athlete and paid the charitable contribution. Can this be refunded?
If you intend to participate in 2026, a partial or full refund request will result in placement on the alternate list. If you are unable to participate in 2026, Masters charitable contributions can be refunded, though we recommend consulting first with your tax advisor. For delegation members unable to join us in 2026, we encourage donating to Maccabi USA (as a tax-deductible charitable contribution) some or all of the amount due back to them.
I am a volunteer (Coach, Manager, Doctor, Athletic Trainer, etc.) and paid for my participation. Can this be refunded even though it was tax-deductible?
If you intend to participate in 2026, a partial or full refund request will result in placement on the alternate list. If you are unable to participate in 2026, volunteer charitable contributions can be refunded, though we recommend consulting first with your tax advisor. We encourage donating to Maccabi USA (as a tax-deductible charitable contribution) some or all of the amount due back to them.
I have already received a tax-receipt from Maccabi USA in recognition of this tax-deduction. Please consult with your tax advisor.
I have not received a tax-receipt from Maccabi USA in recognition my payment was tax deductible.
Contributions made in 2025 will be recognized in the form of tax receipts sent by January 2026.
I purchased an ESim Card from 019. How can I request a refund?
Email at info@019mobile.com or via WhatsApp +972559912345
What should I do if I, my family, or friends purchased tickets for the Opening Ceremony?
Tickets already purchased will remain valid and will be honored for the rescheduled event in July 2026. We therefore recommend holding on to them. Anyone wishing to cancel their ticket and request a refund should contact Michele Cypes at tickets@maccabi.org and they will process your request as soon as possible.
SPORTS
What are the age groups and eligible birth years for 2026?
U16 will become U17 (2009 and 2010 birth years) U18 will become U19 (2007 and 2008 birth years). All other age groups will remain the same.
Will there still be two teams for U18/U16 Sports?
Yes. The same teams and sports as 2025 will be intact.
My sport/discipline was canceled for 2025. Is there a chance it will be offered in 2026?
This will be determined pending the results of Maccabi World Union’s entry form process. The exact timing of the process is still to be determined.
FLIGHTS
I have a seat on a group flight. Can I still use it on the same dates?
EL AL has already canceled all group space following Maccabi World Union’s decision to postpone the Games to 2026. As a result, all group tickets that were issued are no longer valid for the original flights and dates.
I have a seat on a group flight. Can I use it on different dates?
See the answer above regarding cancellation of group tickets.
I paid for a deviation. Do I get to keep my ticket?
Unfortunately, group flights with deviations are also included in the group space that are no longer valid.
I purchased a ticket on a flight outside the delegation. Can you help me request a refund?
Unfortunately, Maccabi USA does not have any influence beyond the group tickets.
How can I request a flight for 2026?
The process for requesting group flights will be communicated to team members in the spring of 2026.
APPAREL
I received my Maccabi USA apparel. Can I return it and request a refund?
We hope you are satisfied with the apparel you received both in terms of its quality and quantity of items. We also hope you plan to participate in 2026 and will hold on to the items you received. Whether you plan to participate in 2026 or not, wear your Maccabi USA apparel with pride. You earned it! Unfortunately, refunds will not be provided for apparel.
Please let us know if there is an issue with the items you received.
I did not receive my Maccabi USA apparel. What should I do?
Please contact us at maccabi@maccabiusa.com.
Will new apparel be sent in 2026?
New team members will receive full apparel kits for 2026. Existing team members from 2025 may have an opportunity to purchase new items.
SCHOLARSHIPS
I received a need-based scholarship for 2025. Can it still be applied for 2026?
Yes. However, if an athlete drops from the delegation at any point and rejoins, they will need to reapply for need-based scholarship.
I received a merit scholarship for 2025. Can it still be applied for 2026?
Yes. However, if an athlete drops from the delegation at any point and rejoins, they will need to reapply for the merit scholarship.
My financial circumstances changed since 2025. Can I apply for a need–based scholarship?
Yes.
I overpaid due to funds received from a grant from RootOne. Can I request a refund of the overage?
Per RootOne’s policy with the organizations they support, Maccabi USA will not receive funds for athlete stipends until after the conclusion of the Maccabiah in 2026. Therefore, if you have completed the RootOne educational requirements and paid the full registration fee, a refund for any overpayment (after factoring in the RootOne stipend) will be issued after the Games, assuming the athlete has fully participated in Israel Connect and the Maccabiah.
Will the Mandel grant I received as an Open athlete transfer to next year?
Yes, anyone in the 2025 delegation who received a Mandel grant will have that grant applied to 2026.
