Approximately 350 Maccabi leaders from 50 countries around the world participated at the opening session of the World Maccabi Union Congress that took place at Kfar Maccabiah. Representing Maccabi in their countries were heads of Jewish communities, leading businesspeople, and supporters and activists from North and South America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, the Former Soviet Union, Australia, South Africa and Israel.
The conference was held in the presence of World Maccabi Union (WMU) President
Jack Terpins and WMU Chairman
Amir Peled.
At the opening session, KKL-JNF World Chairman
Daniel Atar addressed the congress attendees:
“Your presence here is proof that Israeli-ness is something that crosses borders and includes everyone who identifies with Israel and is concerned and cares about our country.
“Maccabi World Union works tirelessly to strengthen Jewish identity and the connection to the land of Israel. This is especially important now, when anti-Semitism is once again raising its ugly head.
“The
Maccabi World Union is a full partner and sister of KKL-JNF in realizing the Zionist vision. Both organizations have been working together from the start in order to promote social-educational activities - through youth movements, developing young leadership for the Jewish people, entrepreneurship and innovation - all in order to impart our heritage and values to future generations. As KKL-JNF World Chairman, together with my friends from our Directorate, we work at strengthening and bolstering this bond. KKL-JNF’s support of the Maccabi Pan-American Games, which will take place this summer in Mexico City, is just another example of additional joint activities that will take place in the future.”
The theme of this year’s congress was innovation and partnerships. During the congress, the growing collaboration between Maccabi and KKL-JNF in the field of education was explored. This includes Israel programs, training young leadership, joint emissaries, international projects and the highpoint – the Maccabiah and joint activities at Maccabi clubs all over the world. In addition, the Congress also addressed preparations for the 2021 Maccabiah, which will mark 100 years since the founding of World Maccabi Union.
The Congress addressed topics relevant to the WMU, such as Israel programs, hasbara (information) conferences throughout the world and in Israel, WMU activities in Jewish communities, WMU projects, international projects, regional Maccabi games, the Maccabi Museum and preparations for the 2021 Maccabiah.