43rd Maccabi Junior Carnival Brings the Action to Perth

The 43rd Maccabi Junior Carnival brought the action to Perth from 14 to 21 January, uniting 292 Jewish youth from across Australia, including 136 from Victoria. Open to students in years 7 to 10, this iconic annual event continues to be a cornerstone of Jewish youth culture, blending sport, fun, and community spirit into one unforgettable week.

The 2025 sporting program featured a wide variety of activities, including ultimate frisbee, soccer, table tennis, netball, touch rugby, tennis, futsal, pickleball, basketball, volleyball, and badminton, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy. Teams from different states competed for medals across all sports. The Sports Finals on Sunday showcased exceptional talent, but most importantly, participants displayed incredible teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship that defined the true spirit of Carnival.

Evenings were packed with social events, including a ‘Diamond and Denim’ river cruise, a tropical Hawaiian pool party, a neon sports night, a messy foam party and even a wild day of rollercoaster rides at Adventure World, creating countless moments for participants to bond and build friendships that will certainly last well beyond the week.

But Junior Carnival is not just about competition and fun—it’s also about learning and contributing to the community. This year’s Community Day highlights included painting a vibrant mural at a retirement village, learning self-defence, and participating in wheelchair basketball. Participants also attended a first aid course as well as an inspiring talk from our Maccabi Israeli youth leaders. The day not only fostered a sense of purpose and gratitude but also showcased the diverse opportunities for growth and connection.

Each year, the Nathan Hofbauer Award is presented to two Victorian team members who exemplify excellent sportsmanship, teamwork, and a positive attitude throughout Carnival. This year’s deserving winners were Alfie Sellyn and Tamar Elboher, whose contributions set an inspiring example for all.

The success of the 43rd Junior Carnival was made possible by the dedication of the Maccabi WA organising team, as well as the Victorian team managers, youth leaders, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure a seamless and memorable event. Their efforts created an environment where participants could thrive both on and off the field, forming lifelong friendships and strengthening community ties.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s Carnival—a celebration of what it truly means to be part of the Maccabi family.

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