The Western Wall: A Reflection by Tri-Athlete Jake Sussman

It is more than just a wall. It is a symbol of resilience, perseverance, sacrifice, and faith. For thousands of years, the Jewish people have been hunted, imprisoned, forced to convert, and been the victims of mass extermination. The dominant Western civilizations of history- the Greeks, the Romans, the Spanish, and the Germans all had plans to crush the Jewish spirit and erase the Jewish culture. In the end, all of the great and powerful empires of history have fallen, but the Jewish people have remained. I put my hand on the rocks that, 2,000 years ago, guarded the epicenter of Jewish life. The 2,000 year story of Jewish strength and perseverance is still being written, and Judaism continues to thrive in the face of all adversity. The Maccabiah Games signify a rebirth of the Jewish image, a sign to the world that the Jewish people are capable of amazing feats of strength and athletic ability. As part of the US delegation to the 2017 Maccabiah Games, my teammates and I carry on the torch of Jewish heritage, and strive to honor the history and struggle of our ancestors as we work to bring light, peace, and understanding into the world.

Previously:

The Magic of Maccabi with USA Team Rabbi Daniel Greyber

Maccabi World Union Internship: Jessica Goodkin

20th Maccabiah USA Mission: Passport to Israel

Maccabi USA: A Transformational Experience with Dan Kurtz

Harry Swimmer – A CNN Hero

Keep Calm and Smash Hard: Maccabi USA Badminton with Nicole Frevold

Dan Kurtz: Maccabi USA’s Alumni Relations Director

Emily Seelenfreund: A Maccabiah Trailblazer

Ellie Greenberg: In Her Own Words

From Maccabi Canada to Maccabi USA: Ice Hockey with Greg Gardner

From Running in to Coaching at the Maccabiah with Jordan Schilit