Maccabiah Opens in Jerusalem After Iran War Delay

The 22nd Maccabiah opens Wednesday evening at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem after the games were delayed from 2025 by the Iran war and security situation. Times of Israel's 3:35 p.m. report says about 5,000 athletes, including 2,000 Israelis and 900 Americans, will compete for two weeks under the More Than Ever banner; official Maccabiah pages, Maccabi USA, Ynet, JNS and JPost confirm the July 1 ceremony, delegations parade, torch lighting and performances. The event brings Jewish athletes to Israel despite shaky ceasefires and travel fears. It is a public act of Jewish resilience, diaspora solidarity and love for the Jewish state after October 7.