Torch relay in Sydney lights the way towards Games
'The Maccabiah Games are not just about athletic excellence – they are about Jewish continuity, connection and pride on a global scale'
Excitement levels for the 2025 Maccabiah Games in Israel this July rose several notches here in Australia last Sunday morning, when more than 150 Jewish Sydneysiders flocked to Centennial Park, for their chance to see and touch the touring Maccabiah torch.
The special event – which coincided with a Maccabi Life NSW fun run as part of Maccabi’s Centenary year celebrations – kicked off with Maccabi Australia president Rodney Rosmarin welcoming Israel’s ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon, who’d driven from the crack of dawn from Canberra, especially for the occasion.
Rosmarin described it as “a celebration of our history, our identity and our future”.
“It reminds us that the Maccabiah Games are not just about athletic excellence – they are about Jewish continuity, connection and pride on a global scale.
“Australia has proudly competed at the Maccabiah Games since 1950 and this year, Israel not only welcomes us with open arms – they need us more than ever,” Rosmarin said.
“The torch that Amir is now holding symbolises Jewish pride, unity and resilience.
“May it inspire us all and prepare us to stand proudly in Israel as Team Australia this July – united, strong and full of heart.”
Maimon told the crowd, “When I think about Maccabi and the Games, I think first and foremost about spirit”.
“All those who participate at Maccabiah are winners and it’s very important to remember that the Games are not about winning, but participating – that’s what the Maccabiah spirit is all about.
“It brings the Jewish people together, making sure that they will connect – and that’s exactly what we need at this time.”
Maimon added, the torch also represents light.
“May this torch light the way for the Australian Maccabiah delegation, the Jewish community of Australia and the State of Israel.
“And at this time, most importantly, may it light the way to bring back our hostages that are still held by Hamas.”
Maimon passed the Maccabiah torch to masters triathlete, Melburnian and Maccabi Australia vice-president Barry Lipp, who will make history as Australia’s first competing head of delegation at a Maccabiah Games.
Photo: Shane Desiatnik
Several distinguished Maccabi Australia and NSW life members, past presidents and Maccabiah Games greats were then honoured with holding the torch, including Tom Goldman, John Rosen, Jeff Houseman, Ruth Nissim, Tom York, Phil Wolanski, Jon Pillemer, Barry Smorgon, Lauren Ehrlich and Maccabi NSW president Mandy Penkin.
“Together, these Maccabi stalwarts represent hundreds of years of collective service and it’s a pleasure today to be able to honour them in this way,” Maccabi Australia general manager David Goldman said.
The torch will next be taken on visits to the Jewish schools in Sydney, then tour Melbourne’s Jewish schools, Maccabi clubs and other Jewish communal organisations, before departing our shores with a communal reception hosted by Maccabi Western Australia in Perth on June 26.
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