Festive Launch Marks Official Start of Maccabiah 2025 in Ramat Gan

With just weeks remaining until the Opening Ceremony, the 2025 Maccabiah officially launched Sunday evening at a festive event in Kfar Maccabiah, Ramat Gan. The celebration brought together over 100 strategic partners, ambassadors, and dignitaries, setting the tone for what promises to be the largest and most meaningful Maccabiah in history.

Running from July 8–22, Maccabiah 2025 will feature more than 8,000 athletes from 55 countries competing in 45 sports across Israel. The Opening Ceremony, set for July 10 at Jerusalem’s Teddy Stadium, will include performances by top Israeli artists Itay Levy, Yuval Raphael, Eden Golan, Idan Raichel, and Shahar Saul, and will feature Olympic and Paralympic torch-lighters Asaf Yasur and Raz Hershko.

“This Maccabiah is a symbol of hope, restoration, and resilience for the Jewish people after our generation’s darkest chapter,” said Assaf Goren, Chairman of the Maccabiah, referencing the October 7 massacre and ongoing war. “We are proud to bring the world to Israel now—more than ever.”

For the first time in nearly a century, Tel Aviv-Jaffa will serve as a central host city, alongside Jerusalem, Herzliya, and Haifa. Events in Tel Aviv will include beach volleyball, wave surfing, rhythmic and artistic gymnastics, 3x3 basketball, and rugby.

The city will also host “Expo Maccabiah City Israel’s Sports City,” a major new interactive hub from July 14–18 that will feature family-friendly activities, exhibitions, innovation zones, and athletic showcases.

Tel Aviv-Jaffa Mayor Ron Huldai praised the event’s unifying message “This city celebrates openness, freedom, and Jewish unity. Especially now, sports remind us of our strength in partnership and pride.”

The event will also commemorate the events of October 7 and the ongoing “Swords of Iron” war, with events held in cities including Ra’anana, Hadera, Sderot, Lod, Caesarea, and the Gaza Envelope region.

Under the slogan “More Than Ever,” Maccabiah 2025 seeks to affirm the bond between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora. It is supported by the Israeli government and a host of partners, including Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, El Al, Bank Leumi, Reebok, the Azrieli Foundation, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Colgate, and the Jewish Agency for Israel.

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