Live Look From Israel
Maccabiah Daily Update: July 9, 2026

Today was about far more than competition. Across southern Israel, Maccabi USA athletes, coaches, supporters, and delegation members stepped beyond the fields of play to connect with the people and communities affected by October 7th, whose resilience has inspired the world. Through service, education, and conversations, our delegation experienced the strength, courage, and hope that continue to define the region.

From meaningful visits throughout the Gaza Envelope to an evening of music and unity at Eshkol Park, the day served as a powerful reminder that the Maccabiah is about more than sport. It is about strengthening our connection to Israel, supporting one another, and standing together as one global Jewish community.

Eighth Day of Maccabiah Competition

Individual sports including tennis, karate, Maccabi Man/Woman, Paralympic Cycling, and Maccabi Run continued competition surrounding our Hope More Than Ever Day in the Gaza Envelope. We are eager for our athletes to compete in medal-defining games on Friday and Sunday.

Visit the Maccabiah website here to view all scores from the Games.

Click here to see all of our photos from the Maccabiah action.

Maccabiah Medal Standings

See the full medal count from the 2026 Maccabiah below:

We congratulate athletes across all sports who have taken home medals from the 2026 Maccabiah. Your hard work, dedication, and drive to compete inspire us everyday and we are incredibly proud of this amazing achievement.

Hope More Than Ever Day

Our delegation members spent the day across communities in Israel's south, taking part in immersive experiences that highlighted resilience, remembrance, and partnership.

Junior athletes participated in sports days alongside local children before hearing firsthand testimonies from October 7 survivors and visiting communities and memorial sites throughout the Gaza Envelope. Open athletes volunteered in Mefalsim before touring Sderot, while Masters participants visited the Nova Music Festival memorial, Nir Am, and other significant locations that brought the events of October 7 into sharp focus.

Though each group's journey was unique, the day concluded together at Eshkol Park, where the entire Maccabiah community gathered for an evening of music, reflection, and celebration. It was a meaningful opportunity to come together after a day of learning, honoring those affected, and reaffirming the enduring bond between Maccabi USA, Israel, and Jewish communities around the world.

Follow Maccabiah Action with Maccabi Media

and Jewish Broadcasting Service

Throughout this summer's Games, our Maccabi Media Team will be covering all of the action, including video features, articles, recaps, and livestreams of Opening Ceremony and competitions. Check out the Maccabi Media page on our website to catch all of the coverage from Israel!



Additionally, games streamed by Maccabi Media, along with Opening Ceremony, will be aired later by the Jewish Broadcasting Service. And check out the great JBS Maccabiah promo video here!

Today, we will be streaming a triple header featuring a semifinal in U19 Boys' Basketball, a Bronze Medal Game in U17 Girls' Basketball, and the U15 Boys' Basketball Gold Medal Game. Stream live on our YouTube channel this morning!

3AM ET: U19 Boys' Basketball Semifinal Game - USA vs. Israel

5AM ET: U17 Girl's Basketball Bronze Medal Game - USA vs. Israel

9AM ET: U15 Boys' Basketball Gold Medal Game - USA vs. Israel

Be sure to check out our new feature stories produced by our Maccabi Media Team on our YouTube channel and follow along with all of our content on social media!

Thank you for tuning in and cheering on the USA delegation from afar!

Be sure to tune into all of our Maccabiah content by following along on our social media linked below!

Join the Maccabi USA Supporters WhatsApp Announcement Chat for daily updates from our Maccabi USA Ambassadors during Maccabiah by clicking here!

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