Maccabiah Opens in Jerusalem as Jewish Unity Signal

Maccabiah Games opened at Jerusalem's Teddy Stadium overnight as Israel welcomed Jewish athletes and families for the first Games since the Iran-war postponement. Times of Israel reports some 5,000 athletes from more than 30 countries marched, with President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressing the crowd; Herzog called the sports celebration a demonstration of Jewish power, and Netanyahu urged Jews facing antisemitism to stand tall. Official Maccabiah materials and Israeli previews confirm the More Than Ever theme, delegations parade, torch lighting and performances. Amid war fatigue, Israel still gathers the Diaspora around pride, resilience and love of the Jewish state.