Philadelphia, July 2 – Maccabi World Union (MWU), the governing body of the worldwide Maccabi Movement, has appointed Philadelphia native Robert Spivak as its Honorary President. In this position, Spivak will be the senior public Ambassador and Statesman for internal affairs for the Movement.
This position is mandated by the MWU Constitution and can only be filled by a member who has rendered outstanding service to the global Maccabi Movement over many decades. One of the responsibilities that Spivak will assume is to deliver the opening address to Delegates at the first session of the MWU Congresses or Plenum meetings, highlighting issues of pressing concern to the Jewish People. Besides representing MWU in accordance with its mission statement, there are no limits to Spivak’s involvement.
“Bob Spivak is the exemplary model of a leader who devoted decades and contributed vastly to Maccabi World Union in many roles as a key leader and a true friend,” said Yair Hamburger, Chairman, MWU. “His enormous experience, vision and counsel will guide and mentor the leadership of our Movement to greater achievements.”
Spivak was the unanimous choice to succeed Dr. Yisrael Peled adn the illustrious predecessors in this position. His 40+ year involvement with the Movement makes him uniquely qualified for the job. Spivak is a towering figure in the modern Maccabi Movement, his vision transformed the United States Committee Sports for Israel organization into the modern Maccabi USA, which organizes Team USA Delegations for the World Maccabiah Games in Israel as well as for regional Maccabi Games in Latin America and Europe. He has a decisive personality, is good-natured and is always armed with a ready smile. Spivak has been an active member in the highest MWU global leadership councils, a friend and universally-respected mentor to generations of Maccabi Leaders.
“I am very honored and excited about this position and really want to develop it into one where I can work with the regional Maccabi Councils throughout the Diaspora to strengthen the relationship between them and Maccabi World Union,” Spivak said. “There are areas we can develop with educational and cultural programming for kids in Israel, along with improved financial support for MWU.”
About the Organization:
Maccabi USA (MUSA) is a federally-recognized not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization with 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, and the Pan American and European Maccabi Games, as well as a sponsor 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. Maccabi USA Builds Jewish Pride Through Sports.
Maccabi USA has been selected by the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) as a Multi-Sport Organization (MSO). The nonprofit organization is one of 35 MSOs nationwide to be recognized by the USOC for its ability to cultivate a national interest in sport and increase opportunities for participation internationally, nationally and at the grassroots level.