Extensive Coverage of the 21st Maccabiah

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)