Baltimore maccabi 2017

For further readings about sports and Zionist ideology, see the following article by Kaufman and Galily. With the growing number of sports clubs in Europe, Jewish sports clubs were also formed, adopting Hebrew names such as Maccabi. In the Maccabi World Union, an umbrella organization for Maccabi clubs was formed, and in the first Maccabiada later renamed the Maccabiah Games were held in what was then British governed Palestine with participants from 18 countries. Since the fourth Maccabiah Games in , the games have been held every four years.

In the earlier decades of the State of Israel, the Games served an important nation building role. Israel is an ethnic democracy, and by definition a Jewish State. Along these lines, the Maccabiah Games served as a recruiting tool for the Zionist movement, a way to connect Jewish people from the diaspora to the State of Israel, and a channel for immigration.

This article by Galily provides further information about the contribution of the Maccabiah Games to the development of sport in the state of Israel. As of , the Maccabi World Union operates in over 60 countries across five continents. There are regional, national, and even continental Maccabiah Games, but the flagship event of the movement is the quadrennial Maccabiah Games in Israel.

In July , the 20th edition of the Maccabiah Games will begin on July 4, with the opening ceremony and most of the events taking place in Jerusalem. The decision to have Jerusalem as the main host city of the Games for the second straight time is a political one by the Israeli government, emphasizing the city as the capital of Israel in the year when the city is celebrating 50 years of unification following the Six Days War.

According to the website of the Maccabiah Games , the 20th Maccabiah Games are expected to be the biggest event yet, having approximately 10, participants from 80 countries, competing in over 40 sports events. Several current and former Olympic medalists are scheduled to participate in the games, such as current Olympic swimming champions Anthony Ervin 2 gold medals at Rio , gold and silver in Sydney and former swimming champions Jason Lezak 8 Olympic medals, 4 gold and Lenny Krayzelburg 4 Olympic gold medals.

Engaging youth, strengthening the connection between Jewish communities and the State of Israel and educating about the history and culture through touring the country are essential parts of the Maccabiah. While Jerusalem will be the city that hosts the bulk of the events, competitions are spread throughout the country. So, although the significance of the Games has changed over the years, they still serve political, economical, touristic and educational roles for Israel and the Zionist Movement the following link provides further information on the history of the Maccabiah Games.

His research focuses on country image, nation branding and public diplomacy in sport. He can be contacted at: ydubinsk vols.

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