The 2nd Maccabiah

1,250 athletes from 28 countries participated in the Second Maccabiah, competing in 18 events. It was the last time, for many years, that delegations arrived from Central and Eastern Europe – Estonia, Danzig, Yugoslavia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary – and from Arab countries – Morocco, Libya, Egypt, and Syria. The Danzig delegation did not march with either the Polish or the German delegations to avoid declaring allegiance to either state in the political conflict that was stirring Europe at the time.

For the first time, delegations from Italy, Belgium, Holland, Turkey, France, and South Africa participated. At the last moment, a large delegation from Germany surprised the Maccabiah organizers by announcing that they had received permission to join the Games.

Hitler’s rise to power in Germany (1933) cast a heavy shadow over Europe. The British continued to restrict the number of immigration certificates to Eretz Israel, and many participants, mainly from Bulgaria and Poland, took the opportunity to stay. Even the Bulgarian band, which performed at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, stayed until the last member. When the flags were lowered, signaling the end of the Maccabiah, the instruments were packed up and shipped back alone. In total, 61,000 Jews immigrated to Eretz Israel that year.

While the first Maccabiah was organized in just three months, preparations for the second stretched over approximately one year, significantly increasing the costs. The second Maccabiah faced severe financial difficulties. The budget for Maccabi Israel barely covered the cost of stamps. Under these circumstances, it was decided that World Maccabi would bear the financial burden, while Maccabi Eretz Israel would remain responsible for organizing the Games. 

The Federation Presidium organized a massive fundraising campaign for the Maccabiah Foundation, opening Maccabiah offices in London, Alexandria, Berlin, Warsaw, Prague, and Tel Aviv. A separate fundraising campaign for constructing the Tel Aviv Stadium was launched in South Africa. This Maccabiah proved that filling an empty financial bag with national, educational, and sporting values was possible. By the way, game tickets could be purchased at piano shops and drugstores.

That year, Eretz Israel enjoyed a relative economic boom. Tel Aviv grew, and the main thoroughfares were paved. The stadium was also expanded to accommodate more spectators. Despite opposition from the Mandate Police, an impressive procession was held through the streets of Tel Aviv. Lord Melchett, Honorary President of the Maccabi World Union, reviewed the parade. The second Maccabiah also saw the construction of the first swimming pool for the Jewish community in Eretz Israel, a 50-meter pool in the Bat Galim neighborhood of Haifa. Swimming competitions continued there until the Fourth Maccabiah in 1953. Yigal Caspi’s composition was chosen from 15 entries as the official Maccabiah anthem and was sung at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

In the final tally, Austria placed first with 399 points, followed by Germany with 375.3 points, and Eretz Israel with 360.5 points.

The first two Maccabiot were held during the Mandate period and were known as the “Aliya Maccabiot,” because hundreds of athletes chose to remain in Eretz Israel after the Games. Both Maccabiot were much more than mere sports events - they were part of the broader Zionist national and cultural endeavor more than a decade before the establishment of the State of Israel. 

Notable Athletes: Lillian Copeland - who won Gold Medals for the discus throw (37.38 meters), javelin throw (36.92 meters), and shot put (12.32 meters).

Joining the Party: Countries who participated for the first time

• Italy

• Belgium

• Holland

• Turkey

• France

• South Africa

 

 Say Hello: New Sports Competition

• Judo

• Cycling

• Weight lifting

• Rowing

• Volleyball

• Sharpshooting

 

Saying Goodbye: Categories from Previous Maccabiot That Were Left Out

• Handball

• Basketball

• Equestrian skills

• Motorcycling