USA Delegation Ready To Compete in Maccabi Games

Later this year, Jewish athletes from around the world will head to London to compete in the 2024 European Maccabi Youth Games. The Games run from July 28 through August 6, where players from the United States compete alongside Jewish athletes from North America, Central America, South America, Israel and other countries throughout the Diaspora.

That sets the stage for 2025, when the Maccabiah 25 in Israel will be held from July 1 through July 22, the world’s largest Jewish athletic competition in the tradition and values of Maccabi, emphasizing the centrality of the State of Israel in the life of the Jewish people.

First held in 1932, the Maccabiah Games were formed by Maccabi World Union, a Jewish, non-political organization that was dedicated to the furthering of Jewish education and sports, as well as promote Jewish identity and traditions through cultural, social and educational activities for all ages. The tennis portion is just one of the many sports played. In the past, the participants have been broken into U16, U18, Open (18+), and Masters 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+, 60+, 65+, 70+, 75+, 80+ for both male and female players.

Ahead of this year’s European Games, New York Tennis Magazine spoke with Sivan (Krems) Sack, a veteran of the Games who now serves as the Volunteer Chair for the Open Team. Krems was a standout at Princeton University, and represented the United States on the U18 Tennis Team in 2013 and the Open Tennis Team in 2017.

NYTM: Talk about your experience competing in the Maccabi Games? How much did you enjoy competing in it, and what are some of your best memories?

(Krems) Sack: I competed in the U18 Maccabiah Games in Israel in 2013 (where I was a triple bronze medalist for singles, doubles, and mixed doubles) and then in the Open Maccabiah Games in Jerusalem in 2017 (where I was a silver medalist in both singles and doubles).

There were several things that left a lasting mark on me:

The first was the opening ceremony. It was moving, memorable, and uplifting to see Jewish athletes from all over the world united in one place proudly representing their respective countries with flags and team attire. I know it will be even more profoundly meaningful in 2025.

The first week – called Israel Connect – was well-thought out. We all learned a great deal first-hand of our tradition, history, and culture. I recall it being a meaningful week that reinforced my pride in being Jewish and having a Hebrew name. I vividly remember touring Yad Vashem. After we exited the museum, there was an extended period of silence before anyone could share the kind of impact the visit made. We then as a group engaged in reflective discussion, which inevitably brought on tears and emotions.

My best memory from the competition itself:

My Israeli family – aunts and uncle, cousins and my Savta (grandmother in Hebrew) Ahuvah (Z”L) attended my matches and cheered me on. I made friends with many of the competitors, including the players on the Israeli teams who were warm and welcoming. That is the essence of Maccabiah – it’s about athletes from around the world united by the same religion and a passion for sports.

NYTM: What is your role now as Volunteer Chair for the Open Team? What does that entail?

(Krems) Sack: My role as Volunteer Chair for the Open Team is to hire a coach for Team USA and to help ensure that Team USA’s tennis roster for the 2025 Games is a strong one. I help oversee strategy towards the goal of ensuring that the 2025 Open Tennis Games are successful.

NYTM: What makes the Maccabi Games special? You have competed at extremely high levels of tennis so I’m intrigued to hear how these games stack up against those other competitions.

(Krems) Sack: As you know, tennis is a very individual-oriented sport. From a team standpoint, I’ve competed in Sectionals, which is where the top-ranked juniors from each region are teamed up and compete against one another. I also spent 4 years playing collegiate tennis at Princeton University. When I informed my college coach (Laura) that I’d be playing, she was already aware of the magnitude and importance of the Maccabiah Games.

What struck me as being different from other competitions (both junior and collegiate) is the camaraderie formed not just intra Team USA but with tennis athletes from different countries. Many of my most grueling matches at Maccabiah were against the Israeli players, yet I felt we had such a mutual respect and really enjoyed connecting in between matches and after the Games officially concluded.

NYTM: As someone who has competed in past Games, what advice or tips would you give the players traveling to London this summer?

(Krems) Sack: My advice is to immerse yourself in and enjoy the togetherness of Jewish athletes from all over the world. Prepare to have goosebumps and to feel uplifted as thousands of people from different countries sing the Hatikvah together at the opening ceremony. Wherever you are – whether it’s at the opening ceremony, at the hotel pool or gym, at other athletic competitions, at breakfast, and so on, you’ll have endless opportunities to connect with other athletes. Just as you’ll enjoy competing, enjoy this journey meeting new people and forming new friendships.

NYTM: Do you still find time to play tennis nowadays?

(Krems) Sack: I try to play twice a week at The California Tennis Club in San Francisco.   Though I’m not training like I used to, I still have a strong desire to compete – most of the time that I’m out on the court, I am eager to play sets (whether that’s singles or doubles).

I’m incredibly grateful for the sport of tennis and for the unique experiences and friendships I’ve formed through it. Tennis has been a deeply ingrained passion of mine throughout different chapters of my life. I aspire to be able to play regularly and remain connected to the sport for years to come.

Registration for the Games is now open. Visit MaccabiUSA.com to learn more information.