Maccabiah opening ceremony kicks off in Jerusalem, thousands of athletes in attendance‎

Both President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the crowd during the ceremony, bidding the Jews who had come from around the world a warm “welcome home. ” The Maccabiah Games, often referred to as the “Jewish Olympics,” kicked off on Wednesday evening with around 5,000 athletes from roughly 35 countries participating in the opening ceremony at Jerusalem’s Teddy Stadium.