Maccabi shines in Buenos Aries
The Australian Maccabi team has brought home 26 medals from the Pan-American Games in Buenos Aries, including six golds.
The General Manager of the team, Giselle Berlinski, expressed her profound pride in the team’s remarkable performance.
She told J-Wire: “A significant triumph came from the netball team, clinching the first-ever team gold medal at a Pan Am Games, following their previous gold at the 2022 Maccabiah. This achievement was particularly noteworthy, with a hard-fought victory in the final against Great Britain.
In basketball, all three boys’ teams secured bronze medals, with the Open team making history with a memorable win against the USA.
The Men’s Maccabi Man team delivered an impressive performance, earning two silver medals (in triathlon and overall) and two bronze medals (in the cycling time trial and open water swim) in the 50-age group, along with a gold in the 60-age group for triathlon.”
Despite numerous additional medals awarded, only events with more than three participating countries contributed to the official medal tally.
The 2023 Australian team marked a historic moment as the largest contingent ever sent to a Pan Am Games, upholding a tradition dating back to 1991 in Uruguay.
The opening ceremony was a standout highlight, attended by the newly inaugurated Argentinian president, Javier Milei, who expressed unwavering support for the State of Israel and the Jewish community in Argentina.
A poignant moment occurred during the games when survivors presented a memorial for the October 7 massacre, serving as a stark reminder of the realities faced in the past 100 days.
The spirit of the games revolved around showcasing solidarity with Israel and celebrating the strength of the global Jewish community. The event proved outstanding, fostering friendships, connections, and healthy competition.
Head of Delegation Jeff Sher commended the exceptional efforts of team managers and coaches, attributing their dedication to the team’s unparalleled success. He expressed deep gratitude to Maccabi staff and volunteers, acknowledging their admirable resolve and commitment.
As the Australian team basks in the success of the Pan Am Games, attention turns to the eagerly anticipated Maccabiah in Israel in July 2025. The announcement by Maccabi World Union that planning is back on track injects renewed excitement into the upcoming global event.
The Maccabiah holds special significance beyond the realm of competitive sports. In addition to showcasing athletic prowess, the 2025 edition will serve as a powerful platform for rekindling connections within the Jewish diaspora and reinforcing ties with Israel.
For the Australian team, this goes beyond mere participation; it signifies a collective effort to demonstrate unwavering solidarity from the Australian Jewish community with Israel. In the wake of the Pan Am Games, where the spirit of unity and strength within the global Jewish community was celebrated, the Maccabiah becomes a poignant opportunity to amplify these sentiments.
Athlete information sessions, scheduled to commence in March, will likely underscore the importance of this dual mission – to compete with determination on the sports field and to actively contribute to the broader narrative of reconnecting the Jewish diaspora with Israel. The Australian delegation is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering this connection, acting as ambassadors of goodwill and solidarity.
Head of Delegation Jeff Sher said: “As the world converges in Israel for the Maccabiah, the Australian team, with its impressive track record and strengthened resolve, will be at the forefront of this dual mission.
Beyond the medals and accolades, the team will carry the responsibility of embodying the spirit of unity and reconnection, symbolising the enduring bond between the Australian Jewish community and the State of Israel. It’s not just about winning on the field; it’s about building bridges, fostering understanding, and showcasing the unbreakable ties that bind the global Jewish community together.”
