Maccabi Life Supporters Mission to Israel Maccabiah 2022

For the first time in Australian Maccabi history an innovative and ambitious program was developed for people interested in a VIP experience under the Maccabi Life banner

The program was developed to provide participants with a unique experience intertwining the Maccabiah sports events with touring highlights that were pitched as a money can’t buy experience.

Some 26 people committed to the Mission and it offered 3 options over various lengths – it was flexible enough to meet most options. The only variable not accounted for was the Joe Biden visit to Israel, which resulted in a late program change, however, the goal didn’t change – offer an insight to sport and Israel like never before

The mission kicked off in Tel Aviv with superb accommodation at the David Intercontinental which offered great proximity to beaches and the fashionable Neve Tzesek precinct.

Day one (which was Shabbat) began with a walk to Jaffa – – – whilst hot it helped shake off jet lag. The first highlight of the full schedule included a guided tour to the Jerusalem surrounds and a fully guided tour to the kotel and tunnels culminating in a rooftop lunch and a bit of shopping.

There were many interesting and quite diverse set of tours on offer throughout the program including a visit to the newly renovated ANU Museum, the recently opened Maccabi Sports Museum, a visit to a Mosav on the border of Gaza whose residents live under unique and challenging circumstance and a guided tour of the Peres centre of Peace and innovation. We were also fortunate to visit a centre of innovation who provide underserviced kids an education in IT providing them and their communities development pathways – an outcome of which is the integration of Jewish, Arab and Christian kids.

The Mission team were also VIPs at the opening ceremony with front row seats and also had the opportunity to mingle with Maccabi World Union heavyweights and politicians at the Welcome Party meeting defence minister Benni Gantz and Tal Brady to name a few. Also as members of the broader Australian Maccabi team – the Mission joined the athletes at the team party and at the Bridge Ceremony both memorable experiences.

Interwoven into the schedule were keynote speakers such as Lior from Fauda, Gonen Ben Yitzhak who was the shin bet handler of the Green Prince. There were also geopolitical lectures from Bentzl Gruber who provided a compelling insight to the humanitarian focus of the defence force in dealing with daily threats from Gaza and the West Bank. At the Mosav we were treated to a deep dive into how communities on the border deal with the regularity of rockets and existential threat. In addition, a defence force strategist General Kobe Marom presented a interesting but challenging perspective of the Israel military and strategic threats faced by modern day Israel.

Sport was also a key focus for the Mission – many events were watched in the searing heat and children and grandchildren supported through their trials and tribulations. Again we were treated to insights from keynote speakers such as Arik Zeevi – Olympian medallist in Judo and Noam Gershony – Paralympic gold medallist in a tennis – their resilience, dedication and inspirational messages will no doubt be carried into the future

No Jewish event is complete without food – a shuk and cook tour and hands on culinary experience set the tone for the many dinners that were included in the program – must try restaurants such as the Whiskey Bar, Yafo – a Haim Cohen restaurant, Messa and Onza were outstanding and not only provided a taste bud sensation but also gave the team an opportunity to build relationships.

After 21 days of schlepping across the country the Mission culminated with attendance at the closing ceremony and farewells were said, pins swapped and memories banked.

Yes – an experience that money did buy but the collection of events, touring, insights and food made this an experience that could not be replicated and was unique as it was memorable.