Handmade in Israel

Thursday, 10 August 2017

The Maccabiah Games

The 20th Maccabiah Games recently took place here in Israel. Often referred to as the "Jewish Olympics", it is the third-largest sporting event in the world, with 10,000 athletes competing. The Games are held every four years, the year following the Olympic Games. The best Jewish athletes from throughout the world, as well Israeli athletes regardless of religion, compete in Open, Masters, Juniors, and Disabled competitions. The athletes compete on behalf of 85 countries, in 45 sports.
The name Maccabiah was chosen after Judah Maccabee, a Jewish leader who defended his country from King Antiochus. Modi'in, Judah's birthplace and the city where I happen to live, is also the starting location of the torch that is used to light the flames at the opening ceremony, a tradition that started at the 4th Maccabiah.

Several young people who I know played in the Maccabiah Games. One particular young lady, Ma'ayan, was chosen to represent Israel in the Junior netball competition. Her proud Mum asked me to make her a Good Luck card. She was very specific with her request. She wanted me to show her daughter wearing the navy blue dress with a light blue stripe running down the side of it that she was to wear in the competition. I made sure to add the appropriate badges. Her position, Wing Defence, had to appear prominently on the front of her dress. I was also asked to show her holding the "Israel" netball they were going to use in the competition. Finally, I added the Maccabiah 2017 logo and also the branding used for the netball itself.

Apparently the young lady was delighted with her card. Out of interest, I went to see their first game. Israel put up a great fight against Great Britain. Ultimately they lost but they played amazingly.