
Who we are
Maccabi World Union
Who We Are
The Maccabiah, the flagship event of Maccabi World Union (MWU), is the largest Jewish sporting competition in the world and the second-largest sports event globally, often called the “Jewish Olympics". Every four years, over 10,000 athletes from 80+ countries gather in Israel to compete in more than 45 sports, cheered on by tens of thousands of passionate spectators. More than just a competition, the Maccabiah celebrates Jewish unity, athletic excellence, and a deep connection to Israel. The Maccabiah aims to bring together young Jewish athletes from across the globe, fostering sportsmanship and a lifelong bond with Israel and the Jewish people. In addition to its high-level competition, the Maccabiah Games emphasize the values of fair play, mutual respect, and the pursuit of excellence - both physically and intellectually.





The Maccabiah features four divisions:
A Legacy of Excellence
MWU’s Values
MWU's History
MWU Today
MWU’s global headquarters is located at Kfar Maccabiah in Ramat Gan, Israel. The movement’s leadership includes 92 representatives from six international confederations: Maccabi Australia (APA) | European Maccabi Confederation (EMC) | Maccabi Israel | Maccabi Latin America (CLAM) | Maccabi North America | Maccabi South Africa (SA). MWU Congress is held annually in Israel, and every four years, new executive board members are elected. Beyond its official leadership, MWU is a movement of people—thousands of dedicated volunteers and members worldwide who work to connect, unite, and strengthen Jewish pride.