Maccabiah 2025 officially launches with festive kickoff in Ramat Gan

With just one month to go until the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 Maccabiah, the countdown officially began Sunday evening with a celebratory event at Kfar Maccabiah in Ramat Gan.

Around 100 guests, including strategic partners and Maccabiah ambassadors, gathered for the kickoff, where organizers unveiled key details of the upcoming Games, which will take place from July 8-22 and are expected to be the largest in Maccabiah history.

The star-studded Opening Ceremony is set for July 10 at Jerusalem’s Teddy Stadium and will be hosted by Anna Aronov and Assi Azar. Performances will include some of Israel’s top musical artists: Itay Levy, Yuval Raphael, Eden Golan, Idan Raichel, and Shahar Saul. Celebrated athletes and ambassadors will light the Maccabiah torch, Asaf Yasur, a Paralympic taekwondo champion, and Raz Hershko, who captured silver in judo at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“Maccabiah 2025 is a symbol of our hope, restoration, and resilience as a people after the most difficult period we have experienced in this generation,” said Assaf Goren, Chairman of the Maccabiah.

“With a record number of host cities and municipalities, the Maccabiah is a direct contribution to Israel’s economy and tourism during such a challenging time. We are pleased to see the response from much of the world, even in this complex period, and we look forward to hosting thousands of athletes who will come to compete, discover, and get to know Israel, now, more than ever.”

Tel Aviv- Jaffa's involvement 

“Tel Aviv-Jaffa is proud to host the Maccabiah – an international sporting event that connects Jewish communities from all corners of the globe and strengthens the sense of belonging to Israel,” said Tel Aviv-Jaffa Mayor Ron Huldai.

“Our city, which champions freedom, openness, and progress, is a natural stage for the celebration of sporting spirit and global Jewish unity. Especially during this period, sports remind us of the power of partnership, pride, and connection – values that have accompanied the Jewish people through the ages.”

One of the key new initiatives for 2025 will be the launch of Expo Maccabiah City – Israel’s Sports City, a large interactive complex that will operate in Tel Aviv-Jaffa from July 14–18. The complex will offer sports exhibitions, family activities, innovation showcases, and competitions, creating an immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

“This Maccabiah will emphasize the importance of the relationship between the State of Israel and Diaspora Jewry and give us all hope for the future, while commemorating the events of October 7 and the Swords of Iron War,” added Goren. “I would like to thank our many partners – especially the Israeli government led by the Ministry of Culture and Sports – as well as the commercial sponsors and institutions that help us bring the Maccabiah to life.”

Maccabiah 2025 will bring together more than 8,000 athletes from 55 countries, competing in 45 different sports. Under the slogan “More Than Ever,” this year’s event aims to underscore the importance of unity, resilience, and connection to Israel during these pivotal times.

Among the dignitaries and athletes present at the launch were Amir Peled, Chairman of Maccabi World Union; Amir Gissin, CEO of Maccabi World Union; Roi Hessing, CEO of Maccabiah; and the 2025 Maccabiah ambassadors, including Olympic and Paralympic medalists from Paris, Tokyo, and Rio.

Competitions will take place across the country in cities such as Ra’anana, Hadera, Lod, Sderot, Caesarea, and Ramat Gan, as well as in the Gaza Envelope region.

The Maccabiah is made possible through a broad partnership with government ministries, municipalities, and leading sponsors, including Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, El Al, Bank Leumi, Reebok, the Azrieli Foundation, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Colgate, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and many others.

Tickets for the Opening Ceremony and other events are available on the Maccabiah website at www.maccabiah.com