May 10, Philadelphia, PA – Robert Spivak, a partner with CMS Companies and Chairman of Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel was named President of the 19th World Maccabiah Games in July, 2013 by Guiora Esrubilsky, President of Maccabi World Union in Ramat Gan, Israel. Spivak is the first non-Israeli to be named to this prestigious position.
The World Maccabiah Games, dubbed “the Jewish Olympics” is a two-week competition held every four years in Israel. Not only is the Maccabiah the largest Jewish sports gathering, it is the third largest sports event in the world and is sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee and the World Federation of Sports. The Games are about more than just sport, they foster a connection among Diaspora Jews of all ages and their Jewish Identity and the State of Israel through the non-political and non-denominational arena of sports.
Bob Spivak, a native of Philadelphia, first became involved with Maccabi World Union in the late 1970’s as a volunteer with Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel. He served in positions of increasing responsibility and was the President of the organization from 1981 through 2001, leading it on a path of unprecedented growth. While he will continue to serve as Chairman for Maccabi USA, Spivak will bring the same passion and dedication that he has for this organization to his new position as President of the 19th World Maccabiah Games.
“I plan to focus my energy on increasing the international visibility and awareness of the World Maccabiah Games,” Spivak said. “Additionally, I will be soliciting corporate sponsorships and patron opportunities to increase the financial viability of the Maccabiah Games to ensure that all qualified athletes from around the world are able to participate in the Games.”
Spivak has developed a plan to start working with Maccabi volunteers around the world to achieve these goals.
About Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel:
Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel (MUSA) has an extensive history of enriching Jewish lives through athletic, cultural and educational programs. The organization is the official sponsor of the United States Team to the World Maccabiah Games, the Pan American Maccabi Games and the Maccabi competitions in Europe and Australia, as well as a co-founder of the JCC Maccabi Games for teens in North America. As the official Maccabi representative in the U.S., Maccabi USA supports Jewish athletic endeavors, enhanced by cultural and educational activities in the United States, Israel and throughout the Diaspora.
MUSA develops, promotes and supports international, national and regional athletic-based activities and facilities. It strives to provide Jewish athletes the world over the opportunity to share their heritage and customs in competitive athletic settings. MUSA supports programs that embody the Maccabi ideals of Jewish continuity, Zionism and excellence in sport.