18th Israel Maccabiah To Visit Sderot, Witness Results Of Gaza Terrorism

18th Israel Maccabiah To Visit Sderot, Witness Results Of Gaza Terrorism

By Joel Leyden
Israel News Agency
http://www.israelnewsagency.com/maccabiahsportsjewishisraelzionismsderotidfoperationcastleadashdodashkelongazaislamicterrorismchildrenrockets48190709.html

Kfar Maccabi - Ramat Gan, Israel ---- July 19, 2009 ...... Organizers of the 18th Jewish Maccabiah Games in Israel have coordinated a solidarity fact finding trip to Sderot, Israel for Maccabiah delegation heads to witness first hand the devastating results of Islamic terror rockets from Gaza which have murdered and wounded innocent Jewish civilians.

Sderot has a total population of 19,300. The city has been an ongoing target of Qassam (Kassam) rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip. In March 2008, the mayor of Sderot said the population had declined by 10 -15 percent as families left the city in desperation (aid organizations say the figure is closer to 25%). Many of the families that remain cannot afford to move out or are unable to sell their homes.

Sderot, located less than a mile from Gaza, was and remains the target of Islamic terror rocket attacks from Gaza that have been fired by Hamas and Islamic Jihad in an effort to make the lives of Israel civilians unbearable. These terror attacks have murdered 13 residents, wounded hundreds, caused millions of dollars in damage, and disrupted daily life as well as the local economy.

Nearly all residents of Sderot, Israel have been traumatized by the frequent sound of air-raid sirens and explosions of incoming missiles. All local schools have been fortified. From mid-June 2007 to mid-February 2008, 771 rockets and 857 mortar bombs were fired at Sderot, Israel and the western Negev, an average of three or four each a day.

Studies performed in recent years show that the continued rocket fire and the large number of shock victims have led to post traumatic stress disorder among many of Sderot's residents.

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The stress and anxiety caused by years of living under Islamic terrorism have left their mark on the children of Sderot. A study presented at a conference in Jerusalem last week revealed that 45% of the town's children under the age of six suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTS), which is expressed through developmental regression, sleeping disorders or aggression.

Although Israel left Gaza in a unilateral peace move in September 2005, Hamas and Islamic Jihad continued to attack Israel repeating the words of Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that all of Israel was to be wiped off the map.

The Israel Defense Forces responded to the Islamic terror rockets which fell on the Israel cities of Sderot, Ashdod and Ashkelon with IDF Operation Cast Lead. During Operation Cast Lead Hamas continued to use civilian and UN facilities to launch Kassam and Katusha rockets into Israel, turning the Palestinian population of Gaza into "human shields".

Sderot Mayor David Bouskila and IDF Major General Doron Almog, former IDF Head of the Southern Command and IDF paratrooper who took part in the historic Entebbe airport hostage rescue mission in 1976, will guide the 18th Maccabiah participants through bombed out parts of Sderot and visit the Aleh Negev-Nahalat Eran Rehabilitation Village for Disabled Children and Young Adults.

The World Maccabiah Games are a quadrennial sports, cutlural and educational event that takes place in Israel. The 18th World Maccabiah Games, taking place July 12 – 23, 2009 are the world’s third largest international athletic competition.

As the world’s third largest sports event after the Olympics, the 18th Maccabiah Games in Israel plays host to 3,000 junior Maccabiah athletes, aged 15 -18; 5,000 open athletes, 2,000 masters and Paralympics.
In addition to the visitors, Israel will itself be fielding a team of more than 2,000 athletes.

Sports for which competitors will be going for Gold include: artistic gymnastics, badminton, baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, bridge, cricket, chess, fencing, golf, gymnastics, handball, half-marathon, field hockey, judo, karate, netball, lawn bowls, rowing, rugby, squash, soccer, softball, swimming, table-tennis, taekwondo, tennis, triathlon, track and field, ten-pin bowling, volleyball, water polo, wrestling and windsurfing.

The 18th Maccabiah Games is utilizing powerful Web 2.0 new media social networking to connect in real time with millions in Israel and worldwide. There are Twitter news channels: israelmaccabiah and maccabiah and two official Facebook groups.

In addition to Maccabiah.com, a new state of the art Web 2.0 Maccabiah Web site has been launched.

With very little money, limited resources and a highly dedicated staff, Maccabiah World Union organizers Eyal Tiberger, Amir Peled, Jeanne Futeran, Igal Carmi, Itamar Herman, Rabbi Carlos Tapiero, Avinoam Caspi-Greenfield, Nirit Harel French and Tmira Shafran have provided Israel and the world's Jewish community with an 18th Maccabiah that shall be remembered and cherished for many years to come.

Maccabi is active in Jewish communities throughout the world.
More than 400,000 Jews in 400 institutions in 60 countries over five continents are part of the Maccabi family.

The above news content was edited and SEO optimized in London and Israel for the Internet by the Leyden Communications Internet Marketing PR SEO Group and London SEO Pr - Israel, London, New York.

18th Israel Maccabiah Opening Ceremony Celebrates Life, Welcomes Jewish Athletes Home

18th Israel Maccabiah Opening Ceremony Celebrates Life, Welcomes Jewish Athletes Home

By Joel Leyden
Israel News Agency

Jerusalem, Israel ---- July 14, 2009 ...... There is no greater event that unites the world Jewish community than the Maccabiah Games.

Yes, in times of war, Jews in the Diaspora provide both financial and physical aid. They donate money to Israel for emergency causes which pay for meals for the impoverished, cultural centers and even bullet proof vests for many of our soldiers and police.

But perhaps for the Jews of the US, the UK, France, Brazil, Canada and Argentina the greatest gift of all that they can provide is their mere presence in Israel.

As one who made Aliya 22 years ago, I can tell you that it is a lonely, difficult but highly rewarding experience.

One out three children in Israel live in poverty. Terrorism and war can occur at any moment.
The difficulty in adjusting to Israel culture and finding employment that can pay for one's rent, electricity and car insurance is beyond stressful. It is these stress factors that send the majority of Olim back to the States or the UK where salaries are 2-5 times what they are in Israel.

That the Jewish Agency has to bribe Jews with 3,500 dollars to come and live in Israel says it all.

The problem is not bringing Jews to Israel. The problem is keeping them here. And even here the Israel government is trying to do its best to provide tax breaks and other initiatives to stop the brain drain.

But at the end of the day - Israel is our country.

No matter how green the trees may be in London and New York, regardless of the top entertainment found on Broadway or the East End, and transcending having the luxury of disposal income, Israel is our home. We are family here. And to stand in Ramat Gan stadium and witness the largest gathering of the Jewish people in one place can only bring a smile and a tear to one's face. It is this which keeps us Olim in Israel.

Perhaps the greatest challenge anyone faced in coming to the 18th Maccabiah Games in Israel was finding parking for the opening ceremony. I squeezed my car into a red and white tow away zone, hoping for the best, while my children in another car had to go home for lack of parking.

As one walked into Ramat Gan stadium, you felt as if you were entering the home of family.
Once past the intense security and finally finding your small plastic seat, you open the white plastic bag to find an Israel flag, small, yellow flashlight, a 18th Maccabiah Opening Ceremony Program booklet and even coupons to save 20 percent when flying El-Al Israel Airlines.

We wait for the 18 Maccabiah Games Opening Ceremony to begin. Relived that their is a slight, cool breeze coming into the vast stadium to offset some of the oppressive heat.

Down below us are 200 cyclists with lights flashing from their bikes waiting to perform tricks and create dazzling formations.

Then a large black car surrounded with several red and blue police motorcycle lights enters the Maccabiah stadium.
It is Israel President Shimon Peres, one of the last leaders in this nation that actually helped to create the state.

"The Maccabiah is a holiday for the State of Israel," said Peres. "Contrary to war, athletic victory for one is not an athletic defeat of another because athletics is a war without victims. It is a wonderful draft for peace. It is good that athletes stay forever young."

A huge flag of Israel is then brought into the stadium by the Maccabi Youth Movement. Each uniformed teenager smiling as they march into the stadium carrying their own Israel flag.

Then comes the moment that many have been waiting for - for over four years. The Maccabiah Sports delegations start to enter the stadium. Those seated in the stadium rise and wave thousands of Israeli flags. As the Jewish athletes from the US, Russia, Chile, India, South Africa, Australia and Canada march in we wave to one another.

The Jewish family unites.

The majority of the Jewish Maccabi Sports delegations were led by heads of the countries' Maccabi unions, with perhaps the most famous was former Manchester United and England football star Sir Bobby Charlton, who walked in front of the 516 British athletes.

The long and vibrant procession ended with the Israel team making its entrance. The huge crowd stood, cheering "Am Israel Chai" - Israel lives!

Once the 7,300 Jewish athletes have found their place inside the stadium, an honor guard then carries in the large Maccabiah Banner Flag. Yizkor, the prayer for the dead is recited by Joshua Small, 19, a tenpin bowler from Australia who lost his father in the Maccabiah bridge disaster almost a decade ago. The Maccabiah Oath was then given to the athletes by American Israeli former basketball legend Tal Brody.

The mayor of Ramat Gan, Zvi Bar, president of the World Maccabi Union Jeanne Futeran and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the Jewish athletes.

"You represent 65 countries but more than anything you represent one special people - the people of Israel," said Netanyahu. He urged the athletes to make Aliya in both Hebrew and English.

"I thank you for coming, I thank you for participating, but I ask you to do one more thing," Netanyahu said to the athletes. "I ask that you make aliyah, not just for the Maccabiah. Come and be one of us, every day of the year."

The Maccabi Torch was then seen by all on the large screens as it made its way to the stadium where it had been lit early in the day from Maccabiah, the graves of Jewish warriors who defeated foreign rulers and won independence in the 2nd century B.C.

The last Jewish athlete to be given the honor of running with the torch and lighting the 18th Maccabiah flame was US Olympic gold medal swimmer Jason Lezak. As he set the torch to portal which would create a mammoth flame, fireworks shot into the sky.

The Jewish crowd of thousands then stood to sing Hatikva - the Israel national anthem. But before doing so, the organizers of the 18th Maccabiah Games asked everyone to pray for Israel's missing soldiers, including IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.

Shimon Peres was then asked to officially open the 18th Maccabiah Games and in a strong and proud voice for a 86-year-old man, Peres told the world that the 18th Maccabiah Games had begun.

The cost for an 18th Maccabiah Games aka Jewish Olympics Opening Ceremony ticket averaged around 200 US dollars. More than twice the price than what Madonna is asking for to perform in Tel Aviv. A cost which goes well beyond what the average Israeli can afford. Yet the Ramat Gan stadium was packed with over 30,000 people.
But for those who could not be there to witness this piece of Jewish history the 18th Maccabiah opening ceremony was televised live on Israel TV Channel 1 and streamed live online by JLTV - Jewish Life Television.

The opening ceremony was the largest and most spectacular ever put on by the Maccabiah and World Maccabi Union in the 77-year history of the Jewish Games. Some 3,500 international athletes and 1,500 accompanying relatives from 60 countries are staying in 1,700 hotel rooms for 14 nights.

“It’s exciting to be here getting to know Jews from other countries," said Maxim Poljakov, 23, a member of the Finnish indoor soccer (futsal) team. "It’s a much stronger feeling of our Jewish identity being here than we have in our everyday life in Finland.”

Daran Bern, 22, an indoor soccer player for the English Maccabiah team, in his second trip after joining a Birthright Israel group grew up in a home with a Jewish father and non-Jewish mother just outside London that was largely disconnected from the local Jewish community.

“I love learning,” he said, smiling as he discusses Jewish culture and heritage with his teammates. “The Maccabiah is a fantastic way of getting people to do what they love to do, sport, together with the religious aspect that someone like me knows little about," Bern said. "There is always something in you that wants to know more.”

Bradley Williams, a 20-year-old marathoner from the US Maccabiah Team, was pleased to meet other serious Jewish runners. He says it's hard to gather a minyan at his Santa Fe synagogue, let alone find other Jews who run marathons.

“The Jewish people now seem so much more diverse to me and it makes me feel like I’m part of a people that has so much to offer. Judaism now feels much more interesting and much more alive.”

The World Maccabiah Games are a quadrennial event that takes place in Israel. The 18th World Maccabiah Games, scheduled for July 12 – 23, 2009 are the world’s third largest international athletic competition.

As the world’s third largest sports event after the Olympics, the 18th Maccabiah Games in Israel plays host to 3,000 junior Maccabiah athletes, aged 15 -18; 5,000 open athletes, 2,000 masters and Paralympics.
In addition to the visitors, Israel will itself be fielding a team of more than 2,000 athletes.

Sports for which competitors will be going for Gold include: artistic gymnastics, badminton, baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, bridge, cricket, chess, fencing, golf, gymnastics, handball, half-marathon, field hockey, judo, karate, netball, lawn bowls, rowing, rugby, squash, soccer, softball, swimming, table-tennis, taekwondo, tennis, triathlon, track and field, ten-pin bowling, volleyball, water polo, wrestling and windsurfing.

The 18th Maccabiah Games is utilizing powerful Web 2.0 new media social networking to connect in real time with millions in Israel and worldwide. There are Twitter news channels: israelmaccabiah and maccabiah and two official Facebook groups.

In addition to Maccabiah.com, a new state of the art Web 2.0 Maccabiah Web site has been launched.

With very little money, limited resources and a highly dedicated staff, Maccabiah World Union organizers Eyal Tiberger, Amir Peled, Jeanne Futeran, Igal Carmi, Itamar Herman, Avinoam Caspi-Greenfield, Nirit Harel French and Tmira Shafran provided Israel and the world's Jewish community with an 18th Maccabiah Opening Ceremony that we shall remember and cherish for many years to come.

The above news content was edited and SEO optimized in London and Israel for the Internet by the Leyden Communications Internet Marketing PR SEO Group and London SEO Pr - Israel, London, New York.

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Volunteers Create The 18th Israel Maccabiah

Volunteers Create The 18th Israel Maccabiah

By Joel Leyden
Israel News Agency
http://www.israelnewsagency.com/maccabiahisraelvolunteersjewishsportszionismcultureeventsolympicsvolunteering48071109.html

Jerusalem, Israel ---- July 11, 2009 ...... Beyond the various Maccabi and Maccabiah air conditioned executive offices in Israel, New York, London, Paris, Moscow, Rome and South Africa, transcending those of us who are working under contract from the Kfar Maccabi Headquarters in the Tel Aviv suburb of Ramat Gan, is a large and powerful army.

It is an elite and highly respected group of Jewish volunteers who hail from both Israel and dozens of other countries.

Sara, the director of the 18th Maccabiah volunteer unit, a very warm, kind spoken woman from Tel Aviv, states that the 18th Maccabiah has over 450 volunteers from Israel, with ten percent coming from abroad.

"We decided to custom make the right jobs for the right volunteers," says Sara. "We have 12 professional translators, 24 writers and photographers, those who enjoy wrapping and packaging gifts, 60 volunteers of all ages helping in the sporting events, welcoming the delegations as they arrive at Ben-Gurion airport with flags, signs, posters. At the 18th Maccabiah Fun Beach Day we had 50 volunteers on the beaches of Israel giving presents from the Maccabiah. We have many who have volunteered for the MOKED emergency operations. These are hard working people who have left their day jobs to give a few shifts."

"From Argentina we had 18-year-olds who have come to Israel in a religious program for 6 months taking part in something which is difficult to articulate. They were told that they were needed to be at the Ramat Gan Maccabiah stadium during Shabbat to be a part of the ceremony. Rather than giving up on their volunteer efforts, these students walked from dawn for hours from Ramat Efal to Ramat Gan," said Sara. "We have volunteers from Uruguay, Chile, Norway and Brazil to Russia, the US, the UK, Germany and Switzerland helping in logistics and several other functions. Many volunteering just to have a ticket to the games, to be a part of the greatest Jewish family event."

"Volunteerism is an effort which comes from the heart," says Sara. "For many of us who live in Israel, it is difficult to volunteer as the financial conditions in Israel do not allow for disposal income and many of us literally count each and every sheckel. But there are still those Israelis who make the ultimate sacrifice of doing without a night out or a movie to give a day or a week of their time to the IDF, hospitals and to the Maccabiah."

When asked if these Israelis were seen as "friars" - or in English "suckers" - being that there is little money in Israel - how can one volunteer? Sara responds: "I don't think it is right, many think that they can't be a volunteer because of their financial situation, but they still look at volunteers with respect and perhaps even jealously."

"We are fortunate to have many volunteers. They all receive a shirt, a hat, a ticket to the events and food. It is not important what their age is or where they come from. They just want to be a part of the greatest Jewish gathering on Earth. Just want to be a part of the Maccabiah. To help, to give, to make people smile in bringing the Jewish nation together."

Brett Weiss, 25, from Maryland is a volunteer working in the Maccabiah sports department, helping to schedule the events. Brett has been working as a volunteer for two months, working 10 hours a day.

"I have paid for most of my expenses. I came for the experience, left a family brokerage business and to do something different. I came to help out. I love it. Everyone is really warm. Doing a mitzvah for myself and Jewish nation."

Ester Schneder who traveled from Sweden, paid for her own expenses - travel and hotel and works in one of the many administrative offices. Ester, who describes her volunteer activity as "wonderful" will be out of the office tomorrow and at the golf course in Caseara to help in organizing that event.

Kim Maniovich, 21, from Tel Aviv - grew up in Israel and left the country when she was 12. This volunteer, whose family has been in the Maccabiah for over 30 years and grandfather was President of Maccabi World Union states that people are impressed in how fast we get things done.

"We work long hours, but it's inspiring to see strong Jewish athletes, men and women who are fit both mentality and physically - it gives us something to be proud of - not just brains, but muscle as well."

Kim, who goes to Boston University and works as an intern in the 18th Maccabiah media and public relations office, says that the cultural differences between the Americans and Israelis are not that wide, while working with the English who are more conservative and process oriented compared to those in Israel who are relationship oriented.

Sascha Sudikoff, 20, who grew up in Los Angeles and goes to school in Edinburgh says that it's "long hours". But also finds time to party on the grass with the athletes.

"I have been working as a volunteer since June. No money. But the experience is great. My parents have been helping me."

Sascha adds: "I think its great. The Maccabiah brings Jews together from all over the world. I love it. To help make it happen. Helping Israel and it is an excellent opportunity for Israel - and for the Jewish nation. People need to come to Israel and not view Israel just by the media."

Gaby Cohen, 16, came from the US. This is her second day working as a volunteer at the 18th Maccabiah and was also assigned to the media and press office.

"I never felt that I belonged to the Jewish community more so until I came here," says Gaby. "Its important to support the Jewish community by participating. And this is my first job. I am very lucky to be here in Israel."

Shuli Speilman, from Tel Aviv, usually works as a financial broker. Today she wears the hat of deputy head of the 18th Maccabiah volunteering unit. When asked if she felt that Israeli volunteers were viewed as "friars" she responded with a smile.

"Ma pe tom" she says in Hebrew. "What are you saying - we do it for others and we do it for ourselves. Nothing could be more rewarding and we have the respect of everyone we meet. In the US, France and the UK where volunteering is seen as something usual, in Israel it is viewed as being even more important as the sacrifice is that much greater."

The World Maccabiah Games are a quadrennial event that takes place in Israel. The 18th World Maccabiah Games, scheduled for July 12 – 23, 2009 will be the world’s third largest international athletic competition. Over 7,000 of the world’s best Jewish athletes from six continents and over 60 countries will compete at the Games.

This year’s Maccabiah kicks off with an opening ceremony at the Ramat Gan Stadium on Monday night, July 13. Three time Gold medal Olympian swimmer Jason Lezak of the US team, will light the flame.

As the world’s third largest sports event after the Olympics, the Maccabiah Games plays host to 3,000 junior Maccabiah athletes, aged 15 -18; 5,000 open athletes, 2,000 masters and Paralympics.
In addition to the visitors, Israel will itself be fielding a team of more than 2,000 athletes.

Sports for which competitors will be going for Gold include: artistic gymnastics, badminton, baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, bridge, cricket, chess, fencing, golf, gymnastics, handball, half-marathon, field hockey, judo, karate, netball, lawn bowls, rowing, rugby, squash, soccer, softball, swimming, table-tennis, taekwondo, tennis, triathlon, track and field, ten-pin bowling, volleyball, water polo, wrestling and windsurfing.

The 18th Maccabiah Games will be utilizing powerful Web 2.0 new media social networking to connect in real time with millions in Israel and worldwide. There are Twitter channels: israelmaccabiah and maccabiah and two official Facebook groups.

In addition to Maccabiah.com, a new state of the art Web 2.0 Maccabiah Web site was launched yesterday.

Shuli says that the 18th Maccabiah is saturated with volunteers and cannot take any more for this Maccabiah.

"We are fortunate to have many volunteers. They all receive a shirt, a hat, a ticket to the events and food. It is not important what their age is or where they come from. They just want to be a part of the greatest Jewish gathering on Earth. Just want to be a part of the Maccabiah. To help, to give, to make people smile in bringing the Jewish nation together."

The above news content was edited and SEO optimized in London and Israel for the Internet by the Leyden Communications Internet Marketing PR SEO Group and London SEO Pr - Israel, London, New York.

18th Israel Jewish Maccabiah Games on YouTube

18th Maccabiah Jewish Israel Olympics Push Web 2.0, SEO, New Media Social Networking

18th Maccabiah Jewish Israel Olympics Push Web 2.0, SEO, New Media Social Networking

By Herb Brandon
Israel News Agency

Jerusalem, Israel ---- July 10, 2009 ...... The 18th Jewish Maccabiah Games in Israel are among the first leading global sports and cultural organizations to unleash the full power of new media, SEO -search engine optimization social networking.

"The most powerful means to reach millions of people today is through Web 2.0," says Joel Leyden, president of the Leyden Communications Internet Marketing Group who serves as an digital PR and international media advisor to the 18th Maccabiah Games.

"New media social networking applications such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Blogger, Skype and YouTube now rule the Internet. Whether you are 18 or 80, if you are not on Facebook or checking out the Twitter feed - you and or your organization does not exist. With a click of a mouse, one can reach millions in seconds and we have seen this most recently in Iran where the use of Twitter is helping to bring about democracy in that nation. Print newspapers and broadcast TV are rapidly declining as Net surfers interact with one another for both personal and commercial gain."

Leyden continues: "For the 18th Maccabiah Games, the use of social networking is critical. There are three elements which ensure the survival of Israel - the Israel security services, the Israel Defense Forces and Diaspora Jews who invest in Israel either financially or through their presence in coming to Israel. New media, SEO and social networking enables these people to support the Maccabiah Games, Israel and the very existence of the Jewish nation. Whether it is to announce when an event will take place, who won that event or just to meet friends for coffee or beer, an SEO search engine optimized Web site, real time communications through Twitter and Facebook make it happen."

The 18th Maccabiah Organizing Committee today announced that in addition to embracing SEO and new media social networking tools for public relations and fund raising, that an updated 18th Maccabiah Website has just been launched at www.Maccabi.org.

This Maccabi World Union Website is providing background information on the MWU, providing links to real time cultural, educational and sports events and news at the Maccabiah Games through Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, the Israel News Agency and Google News. Michael Broukhim, a respected Website developer from California who produced the new 18th Maccabiah Website and Joel Leyden have joined forces at the Kfar Maccabi Headquarters in Ramat Gan.

At least two official Twitter feeds are now in place: maccabiah and israelmaccabiah.

"One must give credit to where credit is due," says Leyden." "Eyal Tiberger, the Director General of the 18th Maccabiah realized the value of implementing Web 2.0 social networking for the Games. Amir Peled, the Honorary Treasurer, Jeanne Futeran, the President of Maccabi World Union, and Nirit Harel French, the Executive Director of the Maccabi World Union in North America and Yaron Michaeli, the domestic public relations professional for the Jewish 18th Maccabiah Games have been more than cooperative in helping us Internet marketing and SEO editorial, design and programming geeks get this new media off the ground.

This year’s 18th Maccabiah kicks off with an opening ceremony at the Ramat Gan Stadium on Monday night, July 13. Three time Gold medal Olympian swimmer Jason Lezak of the US team, will light the flame. The Maccabiah Twitter feeds and Facebook groups expect to see unparalleled participant activity overshadowing any event that has taken place in Israel. JLTV will be broadcasting live sports news and features and producing exciting videos for YouTube which will be embedded in Web 2.0 social networking news releases and news stories from the Maccabiah.

As the world’s third largest sports event after the Olympics, the Maccabiah Games plays host to 3000 junior Maccabiah athletes, aged 15 -18; 5,000 open athletes, 2,000 masters and Paralympics.
In addition to the visitors, Israel will itself be fielding a team of more than 2,000 athletes.

From the US, Canada, France, Argentina and Brazil to Finland, Holland, Russia, the UK and Spain, more than 56 nations will be represented at the 18th Maccabiah Jewish Games in Israel.

Sports for which competitors will be going for Gold include: artistic gymnastics, badminton, baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, bridge, cricket, chess, fencing, golf, gymnastics, handball, half-marathon, field hockey, judo, karate, netball, lawn bowls, rowing, rugby, squash, soccer, softball, swimming, table-tennis, taekwondo, tennis, triathlon, track and field, ten-pin bowling, volleyball, water polo, wrestling and windsurfing.

"For the first time, all Jews in all countries will be able to participate in the Maccabiah games," says Leyden. "They will be able to watch and comment in real time on each and every sports event taking place in Israel. But more than that the 18th Maccabiah will not only be bringing together 7,000 Jewish athletes from around the world, but rather connecting millions of Jews to one another in a majestic event which illustrates the essence of culture, democracy and Zionism in Israel and throughout the Jewish nation."

The above news content was edited and SEO optimized in London and Israel for the Internet by the Leyden Communications Internet Marketing PR SEO Group and London SEO Pr - Israel, London, New York.

18th Maccabiah Jewish Israel Olympics Push Web 2.0, SEO, New Media Social Networking

18th Maccabiah Jewish Israel Olympics Push Web 2.0, SEO, New Media Social Networking

By Herb Brandon
Israel News Agency

Jerusalem, Israel ---- July 10, 2009 ...... The 18th Jewish Maccabiah Games in Israel are among the first leading sports organizations to unleash the full power of new media, SEO -search engine optimization social networking.

"The most powerful means to reach millions of people today is through Web 2.0," says Joel Leyden, president of the Leyden Communications Internet Marketing Group who serves as an digital PR and international media advisor to the 18th Maccabiah Games.

"New media social networking applications such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Blogger, Skype and YouTube now rule the Internet. Whether you are 18 or 80, if you are not on Facebook or checking out the Twitter feed - you and or your organization does not exist. With a click of a mouse, one can reach millions in seconds and we have seen this most recently in Iran where the use of Twitter is helping to bring about democracy in that nation. Print newspapers and broadcast TV are rapidly declining as Net surfers interact with one another for both personal and commercial gain."

Leyden continues: "For the 18th Maccabiah Games, the use of social networking is critical. There are three elements which ensure the survival of Israel - the Israel security services, the Israel Defense Forces and Diaspora Jews who invest in Israel either financially or through their presence in coming to Israel. New media, SEO and social networking enables these people to support the Maccabiah Games, Israel and the very existence of the Jewish nation. Whether it is to announce when an event will take place, who won that event or just to meet friends for coffee or beer, an SEO search engine optimized Web site, real time communications through Twitter and Facebook make it happen."

The 18th Maccabiah Organizing Committee today announced that in addition to embracing SEO and new media social networking tools for public relations and fund raising, that an updated 18th Maccabiah Website has just been launched at www.Maccabi.org.

This Maccabi World Union Website is providing background information on the MWU, providing links to real time cultural, educational and sports events and news at the Maccabiah Games through Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, the Israel News Agency and Google News. Michael Broukhim, a respected Website developer from California who produced the new 18th Maccabiah Website and Joel Leyden have joined forces at the Kfar Maccabi Headquarters in Ramat Gan.

At least two official Twitter feeds are now in place: maccabiah and israelmaccabiah.

"One must give credit to where credit is due," says Leyden." "Eyal Tiberger, the Director General of the 18th Maccabiah realized the value of implementing Web 2.0 social networking for the Games. Amir Peled, the Honorary Treasurer, Jeanne Futeran, the President of Maccabi World Union, and Nirit Harel French, the Executive Director of the Maccabi World Union in North America and Yaron Michaeli, the domestic public relations professional for the Jewish 18th Maccabiah Games have been more than cooperative in helping us Internet marketing and SEO editorial, design and programming geeks get this new media off the ground.

This year’s 18th Maccabiah kicks off with an opening ceremony at the Ramat Gan Stadium on Monday night, July 13. Three time Gold medal Olympian swimmer Jason Lezak of the US team, will light the flame. The Maccabiah Twitter feeds and Facebook groups expect to see unparalleled participant activity overshadowing any event that has taken place in Israel. JLTV will be broadcasting live sports news and features and producing exciting videos for YouTube which will be embedded in Web 2.0 social networking news releases and news stories from the Maccabiah.

As the world’s third largest sports event after the Olympics, the Maccabiah Games plays host to 3000 junior Maccabiah athletes, aged 15 -18; 5,000 open athletes, 2,000 masters and Paralympics.
In addition to the visitors, Israel will itself be fielding a team of more than 2,000 athletes.

From the US, Canada, France, Argentina and Brazil to Finland, Holland, Russia, the UK and Spain, more than 56 nations will be represented at the 18th Maccabiah Jewish Games in Israel.

Sports for which competitors will be going for Gold include: artistic gymnastics, badminton, baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, bridge, cricket, chess, fencing, golf, gymnastics, handball, half-marathon, field hockey, judo, karate, netball, lawn bowls, rowing, rugby, squash, soccer, softball, swimming, table-tennis, taekwondo, tennis, triathlon, track and field, ten-pin bowling, volleyball, water polo, wrestling and windsurfing.

"For the first time, all Jews in all countries will be able to participate in the Maccabiah games," says Leyden. "They will be able to watch and comment in real time on each and every sports event taking place in Israel. But more than that the 18th Maccabiah will not only be bringing together 7,000 Jewish athletes from around the world, but rather connecting millions of Jews to one another in a majestic event which illustrates the essence of culture, democracy and Zionism in Israel and throughout the Jewish nation."

The above news content was edited and SEO optimized in London and Israel for the Internet by the Leyden Communications Internet Marketing PR SEO Group and London SEO Pr - Israel, London, New York.

Illinois Quartet To Lead TEAM USA At 18th Maccabiah Israel Games

Illinois Quartet To Lead TEAM USA At 18th Maccabiah Israel Games

By Sara Feinstein
Israel News Agency

Ramat Gan, Israel ---- July 10, 2009 ...... Ron Carner, General Chairman for the 18th Maccabiah USA Organizing Committee has announced the names of the Flag and Banner Bearers for the Opening Ceremony on Monday, July, 13.

In front of the USA Maccabiah Team, the US Ambassador to Israel James B. Cunningham and Maccabi World Union leaders, it was announced that four Jewish athletes, all from Illinois will lead the US Delegation into Ramat Gan Stadium at the world’s third largest international athletic event.

An alumnus of University of Illinois, Lindsey Durlacher of Buffalo Grove, IL, and currently a resident of Colorado Springs, CO is a member of the 18th Maccabiah Open Judo Team. He will carry the American flag and lead the entire USA Delegation into Ramat Gan stadium on Monday evening.

Ranking is number two at 55 kg on the USA Team; Durlacher is a seven-time Maccabiah Champion in wrestling, finished second in the U.S. Nationals in 2007, 2008 and 2009 amongst multiple placements. The 18th Maccabiah will be the first time that Durlacher participates as a member of the Open Judo Team.

Joining Durlacher, leading in the US Delegation will be David Sender of Arlington Heights, IL; Aaron Cohen of Buffalo Grove, IL; and Gillian Schwartz, originally of Evanston, Il.

David Sender a Gymnast, and member of the U.S. World Championship Team in 2006, is a recent graduate of Stanford University. Amongst his many accomplishments, Sender recorded a career-best All-Around score of 55.55 at a tri-meet against Penn State and Iowa during his Junior year.

Aaron Cohen, also of Buffalo Grove, a Judo athlete, is a member of the 2009, 2005 and 2003 World Championship Teams. Judo has always been a part of his life. Cohen’s Father Irwin competed at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich and his uncle Steve [Cohen] was a member of the 1988 Olympic Team. Having served as an alternate to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, Cohen moved up to 90 kg in 2009, which earned him a berth on the 2009 World Championship Team and he also took the Gold at the USA Judo Senior National Championship.

Gillian Schwartz, of Evanston, IL, one of the USA’s elite pole vaulters, will join Sender and Cohen as they carry the USA Banner into the stadium for the 18th Maccabiah Games. An all-American at Duke University excelling in high jump and hurdles, she set the outdoor pole vault record of 14-2 as well as the indoor record of 13-5 ¼. Schwartz is a two-time Olympian athlete, competing in Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008. She is currently competing at an international Track & Field competition in Madrid, but will join Team USA to march into the Opening Ceremony Monday evening and compete in the Maccabiah.

Maccabi USA / Sports for Israel (MUSA) has an extensive history of enriching Jewish lives through athletic, cultural and educational programs. The organization is the official sponsor of the United States Team to the World Maccabiah Games, the Pan American Maccabi Games and the Maccabi competitions in Europe and Australia, as well as a co-founder of the JCC Maccabi Games for teens in North America. As the official Maccabi representative in the U.S., Maccabi USA supports Jewish athletic endeavors, enhanced by cultural and educational activities in the United States, Israel and throughout the Diaspora.

MUSA develops, promotes and supports international, national and regional athletic-based activities and facilities. They strive to provide Jewish athletes the world over the opportunity to share their heritage and customs in competitive athletic settings. MUSA supports programs that embody the Maccabi ideals of Jewish continuity, Zionism and excellence in sport.

“Now more than ever, we need to get involved and commit to building a proud Jewish Identity among our young people in the U.S., Israel and the Diaspora,” stated Ron Carner, General Chairman, USA Maccabiah Team.

“The Maccabiah (Games) is not just about sports, but about providing for these young people a Jewish awareness of who they are, where they come from and where they are going.”

The World Maccabiah Games are a quadrennial event that takes place in Israel. The 18th World Maccabiah Games, scheduled for July 12 – 23, 2009 will be the world’s third largest international athletic competition. Over 7000 of the world’s best Jewish athletes from six continents and over 60 countries will compete at the Games.

This year’s Maccabiah kicks off with an opening ceremony at the Ramat Gan Stadium on Monday night, July 13. Three time Gold medal Olympian swimmer Jason Lezak of the US team, will light the flame.

As the world’s third largest sports event after the Olympics, the Maccabiah Games plays host to 3000 junior Maccabiah athletes, aged 15 -18; 5,000 open athletes, 2,000 masters and Paralympics.
In addition to the visitors, Israel will itself be fielding a team of more than 2,000 athletes.

Sports for which competitors will be going for Gold include: artistic gymnastics, badminton, baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, bridge, cricket, chess, fencing, golf, gymnastics, handball, half-marathon, field hockey, judo, karate, netball, lawn bowls, rowing, rugby, squash, soccer, softball, swimming, table-tennis, taekwondo, tennis, triathlon, track and field, ten-pin bowling, volleyball, water polo, wrestling and windsurfing.

The 18th Maccabiah Games will be utilizing powerful Web 2.0 new media social networking to connect in real time with millions in Israel and worldwide. There are Twitter channels: wmu, maccabi, israelmaccabiah and #maccabiah and two official Facebook groups.

A state of the art Web 2.0 Maccabiah Web site is expected to be launched within the next 48 hours.

The above news content was edited and SEO optimized in London and Israel for the Internet by the Leyden Communications Internet Marketing PR SEO Group and London SEO Pr - Israel, London, New York.

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