At the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games that took place last month at the University of Pittsburgh, 2,000 Jewish teens from around the world competed in events that included ice hockey, swimming, basketball, soccer and dance. According to the event’s organizers, the games are intended as a welcome reprieve from rising antisemitism.

Founded in 1982 through the JCC Association of North America, the JCC Maccabi Games has become the largest Jewish youth sporting event in the world. Each year, the organization hosts two weeklong summer competitions for thousands of Jewish teens across the spectrum of religious observance. In fact, athletics aren’t truly the main event; rather, sports are the vehicle for fostering Jewish unity and pride.

Danielle Rose Nurko, a 16-year-old tennis player told Religion News Service that the annual Olympic-style competition for Jewish teens isn’t just about winning. “It makes me feel more attached to my religion,” she said. “It’s not only competing and meeting new people; I know that all these people have had the same experiences I’ve had.”

Groups are introduced during the opening ceremony as  attendees cheer on the athletes.    Kathryn Post photos