Introducing our new Maccabi NSW General Manager, Ori Danieli

The Maccabi NSW President and Board are excited to announce that Ori Danieli is heading our team from 1st November. We interviewed him this week to uncover his background, passions, and love for Maccabi.

Have you had experience with Maccabi in the past?

I grew up with Maccabi. I joined Maccabi Tzair Youth Movement in Year 4 and continued to be a Madrich (leader), all the way through to Year 12. Sometimes, I spent 3, 4 or 5 days a week at the club.

I also played competitive table tennis at Maccabi Netanya from a very young age, reaching a top 10 player position at my peak and later coaching some of the best youth players in the country.

I’m an enthusiastic fan of Maccabi Tel-Aviv in Basketball. Even after living in Australia for many years, I still closely follow Maccabi – especially in Euroleague.

What excites you about joining the Maccabi family as General Manager? Any big aspirations for Maccabi NSW?

I arrived in Australia 16 years ago as a Shaliach (emissary) for the Jewish National Fund and for Jewish Youth Movements.

Growing up in a Zionist home (My dad was also a Shaliach), I always knew that I wanted to give back to my country in a meaningful way. I saw Shlichut as a perfect platform to do so. Being a Shaliach is a great privilege – a unique opportunity to strengthen ties between Israel and the Jewish diaspora, as well as learn from, engage with, and understand a different community.

Throughout my career, I often attempted to follow this drive of connecting our community with Israel. I previously held senior positions at the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce and, for the last three years, I was the CEO of the Australian branch of Israel’s leading science and engineering university, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology.

I see my role at Maccabi as a continuation of my passion of both connecting the Jewish community with Israel, as well as strengthening the local community. I’ve always been keen on sports, health and wellbeing, trying to keep fit ,and live a healthy lifestyle as much as possible. So naturally Maccabi ticks all those boxes.

I have a lot of ideas, thoughts, and ambitions for the organisation, but I think it would be a little premature to discuss goals and aspirations. However, I do hope to be able to share my passion and drive with as many people as possible. Together with our partners, volunteers, and the Maccabi team, I look forward to further strengthening the community’s engagement, association, and commitment to Maccabi.

Where can we find you in your free-time?

What’s free-time? I have 3 young boys 😊…

In my free-time, I try to fit in a daily run with my friends and coach, Minnie – our Whippet x Kelpie. I also love playing anything with a ball – mostly tennis, table tennis, basketball, and soccer. Most of all, I love spending time with my family, who are also very active. We play games, sports, kayak, stand-up-paddling, hike, and travel whenever possible.

Anything else you’d like to add about yourself or Maccabi as a whole?

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Science from the Hebrew University and a Master’s in Science and Technology from UNSW. I live in St Ives with my wife, 3 boys (11, 6 and 6 months), and 2 dogs.