As I take a seat at the long ago from the Maccabiah, I will’t assist however take into consideration the importance of the Jewish country.
Folks from greater than 40 international locations flew 1000’s of miles throughout continents to be in Israel, at a time when this may’t be taken without any consideration. Folks of all ages got here in combination, together with a 97-year-old Holocaust survivor proudly representing his nation, protecting his flag prime.
He wasn’t simply representing his country taking part in sports activities; he used to be representing our historical past, our legacy, the whole lot we have now been thru as a folks, and the whole lot we’re nonetheless succesful of turning into.
I sat there merely kvelling at our country, on the Jewish delight instilled inside each particular person and each neighborhood, and on the individuals who proudly raised their nation’s flag along the Israeli flag.
At a time when antisemitism is emerging internationally, it hasn’t ever been extra essential to turn our solidarity and our delight – and that’s precisely what took place.
Israeli individuals on the 2026 Maccabiah video games, Jerusalem, July 1, 2026. (credit score: Chen G. Schimmel)
What different country starts a gap rite with Yizkor, the memorial prayer, remembering generations of Jewish struggling whilst honoring those that fell protecting the Jewish folks and the State of Israel?
What different country brings participants of the Druze neighborhood and the households of blameless Druze Israelis who misplaced their lives protective this nation, spotting that their tale is a part of our tale, too?
The Talmud teaches us, “Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh” – all of Israel is liable for one any other. As I sat in an target audience of 1000’s, that instructing now not felt like a sentence. It used to be alive.
The lyrics echoed across the stadium: “All we need is hope. Remember, we have each other.” And in combination, we did convey that hope. Hope for the Jewish long term. Hope for the following era. Hope for the State of Israel. In combination, we can upward thrust.
On level stood over 40 proud Jewish communities. Some international locations had just one player. Others, like america, introduced greater than 900. Brazil stuffed the stadium with its unmistakable power and Latino delight.
Each delegation regarded other, spoke other languages, got here from other backgrounds – however they got here right here in combination to constitute their Jewish delight, within the State of Israel.
Then Edan Alexander walked onto the level.
A reputation recognized to each Jew world wide: a former hostage held by means of Hamas. His presence used to be a logo of contemporary Jewish survival, and a reminder that regardless of the whole lot we proceed to bear, we’re nonetheless right here.
Pleased with our id. Pleased with our folks. Proud to face in combination.
Moments later, Itay Levi started his efficiency with the phrases Shema Yisrael – “Hear, O Israel.”
There couldn’t had been a extra becoming solution to seize the night time.
I used to be introduced up with the rules of Jewish delight. To be happy with who I’m. To be a mild unto the countries. To remember the fact that being Jewish isn’t just about remembering our previous, however about wearing duty for our long term.
The Maccabiah jogged my memory of the delight instilled in every people, and that during those occasions, it’s on occasion laborious to keep in mind.
It’s discovered within the Holocaust survivor wearing his flag.
Within the lone athlete representing a tiny Jewish neighborhood 1000’s of miles from Israel.
Within the households who proceed regardless of unattainable loss.
Within the former hostage status prior to 1000’s along with his head held prime.
And in each unmarried one who selected to commute internationally merely to have fun being Jewish.
At a time when many Jews felt the want to cover their id, the Maccabiah used to be the exact opposite. It used to be a declaration that we’re nonetheless right here. We’re nonetheless proud. We nonetheless have every different.
And most likely that’s the largest victory of all.
