Maccabi History

Maccabi World Union was founded in 1895 and is the world’s only international Jewish sports organisation spanning over 80 countries, with 450 clubs and 450,000 members.

 

Maccabi uses participation in sports as a means to bring Jewish people of all ages closer to Judaism and Israel in addition to various informal educational activities in a manner that surpasses politics and sectarianism.

 

The pinnacle sporting event is the Maccabiah held in Israel every 4 years. In addition, various regional Maccabi Games are also held every 4 years such as the Pan American Maccabi Games and European Maccabi Games, as well as numerous local games, cultural events and seminars.

 

Maccabi New Zealand, formally established in 2023, forms part of the Maccabi Australasian Confederation, alongside its big brother Australia, formed in 1934. 

However, athletes have previously represented New Zealand at past events, from carnivals to Maccabiah. If you have any records and/or photos of past event participation, we would love to hear from you.