VOLUME 15 | NUMBER 1 | SPRING 2017 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF MACCABI USA

Four years later, Brian again qualified for PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Brian the Open Team and brought along 2 the woman he was dating, Aileen Kennedy, THE INTERNATIONAL MACCABI Roberts 3 CULINARY COMPETITION AND MISSION to cheer him on. After the Games were For Brian Roberts, over they took a cruise and Brian proposed 20TH WORLD the World Maccabiah to her, and then returned to the States 4 MACCABI USA MACCABIAH MISSION Games has been a where they got married and started a family affair and a family. Twelve years later, Brian qualified A TRIBUTE TO SUE MILLIS unique way for them for the Masters Squash Team at the 15th 5 VOLUNTEER PROFILE BETH MARGOLIS to connect with Maccabiah in 1997 and returned to 20TH MACCABIAH USA ORGANIZING Israel, and the sport of Squash. with his young family. 6 COMMITTEE Brian first heard of the Maccabiah Games when he was playing Squash at the In 2005, his oldest daughter Sarah UPCOMING EVENTS University of . He had bumped qualified for the Open Women’s Squash 8 RECENT EVENTS into an acquaintance, Glenn Whitman, on Team and Brian qualified for the Masters the Squash courts at Penn, who told him Squash Team, and they went to Israel EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S together to compete at the 17th Maccabiah. 9 MESSAGE about his own recent experience at the Maccabiah Games. Sarah participated in the B’nai Mitzvah

INSIDE THIS ISSUE THIS INSIDE NEWS ceremony during the ISRAEL CONNECT 10 Brian’s first World Maccabiah Games was cultural and educational program and it in 1981, as a member of the Open Squash had an enormous impact on her life. Team. Once he qualified for the team, he th asked his parents to accompany him to After the 17 Maccabiah, Brian decided Israel. Brian was raised in a liberal, Reform to take a break from competitive Squash Jewish family and while visiting Israel and started training for his first Triathlon. had not been a top priority when he was He trained for 11 months and competed th growing up, having his parents watch him in a Triathlon on his 50 birthday. After as he marched into the Opening Ceremony completing the race, Brian decided to was life-changing. return to Squash. As luck would have it, his daughter Amanda qualified for the “My parents never Juniors Girls’ Squash Team in 2009 at understood Squash,” Brian the 18th Maccabiah and Brian competed recounted, “but when they alongside her. After the Games were over, were sitting in Ramat Brian retired from competitive Squash. Gan Stadium with thousands “Marching into the Opening Ceremony was of other Jewish an amazing experience for Amanda, and athletes from for us to have a father/daughter moment around the at the Games was priceless,” Brian said. th world, they “My son Tucker qualified for the 20 World understood that Maccabiah Games this summer, so, of moment.” course, I am coming out of retirement one more time to share this incredible

(continued on page 2) Brian Roberts PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE (continued from front page) opportunity with him and compete with What will make 2017 a great year? The 20th Maccabiah some of my old teammates.” Games in Israel in July. Brian highly recommends that any athlete And what will make our U.S. Team’s participation who has the opportunity to participate in successful? Our team of volunteer leaders. Yes, to get the Maccabiah should take advantage of things done an organization needs leadership — not of it. “The Games are unlike anything else. one person, but of a host of leaders who are fired by a Competing and experiencing Israel will passion for what we do and are willing to give up their unequivocally be one of the highlights of time, resources, and personal needs. Our volunteers — an athlete’s life,” he stated. chairpersons, coaches, organizers — care about the project they are working on, the cause they espouse, the needs of Brian has been a continuous supporter others. That’s how they get things done. of Maccabi USA. He recently reflected on a conversation he had with the business Maccabi USA is blessed to count in its ranks people who give and get for our manager of his high school, Germantown organization; people who incorporate what we do into the lives and hearts of our Academy, while he was in college. The participants, while they put aside their own ambitions and wants. It is because of manager told him that if you are fortunate these leaders that we have increased our Endowment over 140% the past seven enough to have any success, it’s a great years, increased the size of our Team by close to 40%, and substantially involved gift to give back to the next generation. many more people in our projects. Their sole reward has been to bring “life-changing” Brian then joined the Board of Directors experiences to the lives of thousands of Jewish athletes. of Germantown Academy while a Junior

at Penn. The reputation of this organization has been spreading exponentially, as the public has become more aware of us. Just this past holiday period I met two people from “I have been lucky enough to have very small towns in Louisiana and Iowa, both Jews, who surprised me with their knowledge special experiences every time I have of the Maccabiah and the Maccabi Movement. Our message reached them, and they participated in the Maccabiah Games,” enjoyed chatting with me while I was overjoyed to observe how our mission of Jewish Brian shared. “If you are able to do so, identity and pride, as well as our support of the State of Israel, have created a bond it is important to support Maccabi USA among American Jews. so that other kids can have this life- changing opportunity.” As the world turns more hostile to the notion of Jewish right for self-determination in their sovereign country, and incidents of anti-Semitism are spread not only by Upon learning that Maccabi USA’s Executive individuals but by governments, I ask you all to remember how very fortunate we are Director, Jed Margolis, is retiring at the end to live in the USA. However, this good fortune is wrapped with responsibility; each of of 2017, Brian decided to donate $1 million us must remember that Israel gives us a huge sense of pride in its unprecedented to the Maccabi USA Endowment in Jed’s accomplishments and that we, in turn, must stand up for her future, for her very honor. This will help Maccabi USA continue existence. Maccabi USA does it by educating our athletes about the facts on the to provide unique athletic and educational ground in Israel and about the nature of in order that they can come back as experiences to qualified Jewish athletes for ambassadors and advocates. During the Games, we instill in them the pride of being years to come. Jewish; and we do that through sports. Wow; isn’t that fun and exciting!! “I am also very grateful to Jed and the I hope to see you in Israel this summer for the 20th World Maccabiah Games. entire staff and volunteers of Maccabi USA and who put these Games together,” Brian concluded. “They are the ‘unsung’ heroes who Sincerely, have provided me and so many others with some of the most extraordinary moments of our lives. Thank you is truly inadequate.”

Ron Carner, President Maccabi USA

2 | sportscene | Spring 2017 The International Maccabi Culinary Competition and Mission JULY 2–9, ISRAEL

THE CULINARY AND RESTAURANT SCENE all over Israel is one of the hottest in the world, and this year we will produce the first-ever International Maccabi Culinary Competition featuring some of the best Jewish chefs in the world. And of course we are creating an opportunity for you to join us in Israel to tour the country through a culinary lens and spend time learning, preparing, and tasting some of the best food in the world alongside our chefs.

Culinary Competition on July 4! If you join us on the Mission, you will have the opportunity to travel with these professional chefs and learn how food is produced, created and prepared in Israel. The itinerary includes trips to Shuks with tastings by experienced guides, dinners at great restaurants, a gala cocktail party and reception where the winning chefs will receive their medals, and of course, we will bring you to the Opening Ceremony of the 20th World Maccabiah Games where you can cheer on Team USA! The Maccabi Culinary Competition and Mission is being co- chaired by Michael Solomonov, Chef/Partner of Zahav restaurant If you love food, this is one of the most amazing ways you can in and the star of In Search of Israeli Cuisine; Bob experience Israel, food and beverage, and the World Maccabiah Spivak, Chairman of Maccabi USA and Honorary President of Games. Make sure to check out our itinerary by clicking on the QR Maccabi World Union; and Ido Zarmi, Chief Culinary Officer at code below, and if you have any questions, please contact Sara at International Culinary Productions. The co-chairs and staff of Maccabi USA at [email protected] or 267.627.5654. Maccabi USA and Maccabi World Union, along with travel partners at Gil Travel and Via Sabra, have created an amazing itinerary for a select few food lovers to join them in Israel this summer. Chefs from , , , Israel, , , and the USA will join the Culinary Mission and compete in the International

BUILDING JEWISH PRIDE THROUGH SPORTS

Spring 2017 | sportscene | 3 Building Jewish Pride Through Sports

BUILDING JEWISH PRIDE THROUGH SPORTS 20th World Maccabiah Games Jeff Bukantz, General Chair, 20th Maccabiah USA Organizing Committee

It is with great pleasure that I share with you my excitement and pride for the upcoming Games and Team USA! I will never forget the incredible feeling I had in 1981 Team USA, at 1,100+ strong, and another 400 supporters, to Israel this when I qualified for the 11th Maccabiah Games, my first July for the 20th World Maccabiah Games. international competition. It was a dream come true, as I was able to follow This year, we are expecting 10,000 participants from 80 countries, the rd in the footsteps of my father Dan (z”l), who competed in the 3 Games in largest gathering in the 85-year history of the Maccabiah. Maccabi USA 1950, the first Games held after World War II and the birth of Israel. has provided $500,000 to Maccabi World Union which will enable athletes The Maccabiah is the third largest multi-sport competition in the world, from , , , and the to participate. only behind the Olympics and the World University Games. I was fortunate The Maccabiah provides an opportunity for everyone, young and old, to to have marched into the Opening Ceremonies at both the Olympics and develop lifelong friendships, experience special moments which will last the World University Games. I was so proud to be an American, so proud a lifetime, and return home as Ambassadors for Israel. of my own accomplishments, and so proud to represent my country. In the current geo-political climate, and especially after the recent However, when I marched into a Maccabiah Opening Ceremony, I was, more United Nations Security Council vote and unprecedented than anything else, proud to be a Jew! abstention of December 23, 2016, I feel even greater pride in leading And this proud Jew had a smile from ear-to-ear, goose bumps, and was literally Team USA into on July 6 and proudly representing the walking on air as I waved to a packed stadium of friends. This was one of the Maccabi Movement. rarest of moments for a Jew, as you knew that EVERYONE in that stadium was Now, more than ever, we must support the State of Israel and build on your side and proud you were a Jew, too! Jewish Pride through Sports! In the face of anti-Semitism and the continual fight that Israel faces Jeff Bukantz regarding its very existence, Maccabi USA is so proud to be bringing General Chair, 20th Maccabiah USA Organizing Committee Maccabi USA Maccabiah Mission Dear Maccabi USA Friends, We wish to extend a personal invitation to you and your family to Maccabiah and the JCC Maccabi Games in Israel. join us for the 20th Maccabiah Games, July 2017! Regardless Professionally, we have vast experience in event of whether you have been to Israel before or will be experiencing planning both nationally and internationally. Our Israel for the first time, we have created a Maccabi USA Masters goal is to offer a “first class” experience to all Athletes, Supporters and Family Mission that will be exciting and new our participants. for everyone! We are looking forward to sharing Israel with you Along with our partners at Gil Travel, we have designed a Mission that will and taking part in the Maccabiah, with over 10,000 Jewish athletes from include the best of what Israel has to offer, including five-star hotels, food, 80 different countries coming together to participate in the third largest excursions and evening events. You will also be provided with the benefit sporting event in the world. of experts assisting you in taking part in all the aspects of the Maccabiah, Should you have any questions, feel free to contact Sara Feinstein, including the Opening Ceremony and participation in special Maccabiah Marketing Director for Maccabi USA at [email protected], (267) and Maccabi USA events. We will have regularly-scheduled buses available 627-5654, Samantha Sultzer at Gil Travel, [email protected], (215) to sports venues. Optional excursions during your free time in-between 568-6655 x 380 or us directly at [email protected]. sporting competitions will also be offered. We hope that you will join us for the 2017 Maccabi USA Masters Athletes, After speaking with staff and lay leaders with many years of experience Supporters and Family Mission and allow us to be your hosts for this working with our Mission program, and hearing suggestions from previous incredible journey! participants, we have developed a program that will maximize your time and enhance your experience in Israel during the Maccabiah. We have Warm Regards, researched and created new excursion options, as well as securing fascinating new guest lecturers. We have also hired a dedicated transportation specialist to assist us in creating a reliable and efficient transportation system for our Mission in air-conditioned buses and vans. Andrea Bochner and Dr. Harold Friedman We are so happy to be Maccabi USA Mission Co-Chairs, as we have been Co-Chairs, 20th Maccabiah to Israel many times and have participated as volunteers for both the Maccabi USA Mission Program Official Airline of Maccabi USA

4 | sportscene | Spring 2017scene | Spring 2016 A Tribute to Sue Millis

Sue started working at Maccabi USA in it has permeated my family, which by extension has made them part January of 1986, shortly after she, her of the Maccabi USA family.” husband Barry, and their three kids – Sue’s younger children, Josh and Abby, often helped out at the office Adam, Josh and Abby – returned to Phila- during school breaks. Her older son Adam, on break from college the delphia. Because Barry’s cousin Barbara summer of 1993, worked at the office every day sorting, organizing Lissy was our Executive Director at the and packing up the apparel that would be taken to Israel for sale at time, she offered Sue an Administrative the USA Team store during the Games. When the need arose for Assistant position. Sue accepted and extra help in Israel, Adam was asked to serve as a manager on the never looked back. 14th Maccabiah Games Team. He got to experience Israel firsthand Over the course of her 31-year tenure, as a member of the Team and develop the friendships and memories Sue saw many changes, certainly in that Sue always enjoyed hearing about from athletes and volunteers. people – both staff and volunteers – but Sue’s family has always been central to her life. After her younger also in technology! She still remembers sister, Judy, retired and got involved in activities that had always been when staff members had to schedule time to use the office’s lone precluded by her full-time teaching job, Sue started to think about what computer. Most work was done on a typewriter or manually. But times she might do when she retired, too. Then, when her fifth grandchild have certainly changed. Sue now runs queries in the database, word- was born in 2016, she realized just how many more things she wanted processes all her writing, and builds and manages spreadsheets. Of to do that could only happen if she retired. course, it was not the improved technology that kept her working at Maccabi USA for all these years. It was the people. Although it has been very hard for the staff and volunteers at Maccabi USA to see her leave, everyone understands why she retired, and are “The volunteers and staff who work at Maccabi USA are very passion- grateful that she continues to support the Marketing Department at ate about its mission of using sports to build Jewish pride and sup- Maccabi USA as an editor and proofreader on a part-time basis. port for the State of Israel. It has been so enjoyable for me to build relationships with so many people who have had a common goal over Sue Millis is definitely one of a kind and will always be remembered the years,” Sue explained. “I love the stories I have been privileged not just for what she’s done but for who she is – for her kind heart, to hear, the friendships that have been built – all of these things have brilliant smile, and addictive laugh! made working at Maccabi USA a pleasure and an honor for me. And Volunteer Profile Beth Margolis

Hometown: Hermitage, PA School: Oberlin College Conservatory of Music Kent State University Occupation: Retired Music Education Teacher and Chorale Soloist Hobbies: Biking, hiking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, gardening, interior design, reading and travel

Beth was first introduced to Maccabi USA through her fiancé, Jed Games, Beth is co-chairing the ISRAEL CONNECT program, along with Margolis, when she accompanied him to Philadelphia for the Open Men’s Tonja Magerman. tryout in 1973. They had met at college where Beth received “My focus is on the educational – Hasbara – component of the program,” a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. She spent the majority of her Beth explained. “The theme for the ISRAEL CONNECT program will be professional career in the music field and taught piano and voice in public USA/Israel relations, with the goal of nurturing our athletes to return schools, JCC nursery schools, and other music programs for all ages. home as ambassadors/advocates for the State of Israel.” Additionally, Beth has sung as a soloist and as a member of musical ensembles. She sang professionally with the St. Louis Chamber Chorus, Beth feels very strongly about volunteering with Maccabi USA and has the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and the Hartford Symphony found that people who are involved are very passionate about what Chorale. Beth also worked in the Interior Design field for ten years. they do because they truly care about the programs. “Volunteering for Maccabi USA gives me a chance to work with people of all ages and Prior to starting her volunteer work with Maccabi USA, she volunteered backgrounds who are dedicated to a healthy lifestyle through sport and in her children’s schools, with numerous JCCs, the of who support the International Jewish community,” Beth said. “There are St. Louis, and Habitat for Humanity. In 1997, Beth became very involved opportunities to match almost everyone’s strengths and interests, and with our Supporters Mission programs and has been a volunteer at all just as importantly, you make lasting friendships with other volunteers Maccabi events since then, except for 2001, managing the logistics and athletes from around the world.” for nine Maccabi USA Supporters Missions. For this year’s Maccabiah

SpringFall 20152017 | sportscene | 5 20TH MACCABIAH

Deborah Adams Lisa Fischman David Kantor Golf Co-Chair Juniors Girls’ Basketball Chair Masters Men’s 45+ Basketball Chair

Bruce Apple Mark Fishman Walter Klores Golf Co-Chair Juniors Honorary Chair Yachad Relief Committee

Benjamin Fox Philippe Bennett Mark Knue Overall Sports Chair Fencing Co-Chair Overall Soccer Chair Gymnastics Chair

Ross Berman Daniel Frankel Matthew Lefferman Masters Soccer 35+ Co-Chair Golf Co-Chair Youth Men’s Soccer Co-Chair

Andrea Bochner Harold Friedman Mark Lesly USA Mission Co-Chair USA Mission Co-Chair Open Taekwondo Chair

Derek Borisoff Andrew Gittleman Caren Lesser Water Polo Co-Chair Co-Chair Co-Chair

Jeffrey Bukantz Preston Goldfarb John Levene USA General Chair Overall Men’s Soccer Co-Chair Masters Men’s 45+ Soccer Co-Chair

Ron Carner Michael Goldman Lawrence Levin Maccabi USA President Open & Masters Chair Judo Co-Chair

Joel Carter Justin Greenberg Eve Levinson Medical Co-Chair Youth Men’s Soccer Co-Chair Chair

Tonja Magerman Lisa Chajet Stuart Greenberg Open Field Hockey Chair Juniors/Open Chair Paralympic Chair ISRAEL CONNECT Co-Chair

Fred Cohen Daniel Greyber Anthony Mann Overall Sports Co-Chair, Bat & Glove Eligibility Co-Chair Open & Masters Triathlon Chair

Steven Cohen Michael Gross Beth Margolis Co-Chair Half Marathon Chair ISRAEL CONNECT Co-Chair

Sandra Cohen Ian Grusd Michael Monheit Equestrian Co-Chair Masters Men’s 45+ Soccer Co-Chair Open Futsal Chair

Richard Ehrlich Howard Guggenheim Louis Moyerman Overall Swim Chair Grand Masters Tennis Co-Chair Overall Sports Chair

Leland Faust Barry Gurland Samuel Moyerman Water Polo Co-Chair Security Chair Overall Volleyball Co-Chair

Robert Fellman Josh Kahane Donna Orender Track and Field Co-Chair Masters 35+ Basketball Co-Chair Open Women’s Basketball Chair

6 | sportscene | Spring 2017scene | Spring 2016 USA ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Douglas Pacht Brian Schiff Robert Wynner Masters Tennis Co-Chair Overall Sports Chair Masters Soccer 35+ Co-Chair

David Parks Jeffrey Schulman Juniors Girls’ Soccer Chair Elite Athlete Chair NOT SHOWN

Stanley Corn Bryan Pollack Brian Seitz Wheelchair Basketball Chair Juniors Boys’ Soccer Chair Youth Men’s Basketball Jay Gelman Open Women’s Softball Chair Stewart Pruzansky Irwin Shorr Jody Helfend Wrestling Co-Chair Grand Masters Tennis Co-Chair Masters Tennis Co-Chair Gregory Kaplan Philip Pulley Peter Simel Open Rowing Co-Chair Ice Hockey Co-Chair Masters Tennis Co-Chair Leon Melnitsky Security Vice Chair Devra Pulley Tracey Specter Kim Mertens Ice Hockey Co-Chair Squash Chair Overall Badminton Chair Peter Morrelli Open Rowing Co-Chair Robert Rakowitz Robert Spivak Open & Masters Cycling Chair B’nai Mitzvah Ceremony Chair David Pruzansky Lev L’Lev Co-Chair Open Wrestling Co-Chair Milton (Tony) Schneider David Roberts Alex Sternberg Rowing Co-Chair Masters 35+ Basketball Co-Chair Karate Co-Chair Isaac Solson Open Chair Joel Roodyn Russell Stoch Table Tennis Chair Masters Men’s Squash Chair

Marc Rosenberg Dana Susson Overall Basketball Chair Lev L’Lev Co-Chair

Steven Rosenberg Mark Susson Juniors Boys’ Basketball Chair Overall Volleyball Co-Chair

Ross Rosner Matthew Susson Overall Volleyball Co-Chair Overall Volleyball Co-Chair

Stuart Rothenberg Anna Sylvan-Jaffe Fencing Co-Chair Equestrian Co-Chair

David Rudzinsky Michael Weinstein Rugby Chair Chair

Summer Runestad Merrick Wetzler Athletic Training Chair Medical Co-Chairman

Joshua Schachter Walter Wortman Open Men’s Basketball Chair Eligibility Co-Chair

Spring 2017 | sportscene | 7 upcoming recent events The 12th Annual Maccabi events USA Westchester Brunch & Bridge Tournament, in memory of Edythe Levitt was held on September 25, 2016 March 2-7 in Rye Brook, New York. This was an Maccabi World Union Plenum ACBL-sanctioned tournament. Event Israel Co-Chairs Barbara Feldman and George L-R: Barbara Feldman, George & Phyllis Lippman, Lippman, along with steering committee March 20 Mickey Karlan members: Nat Adler, Babette Bandler, 22nd Annual Palm Beach Golf Tournament Ruth Brandt, Betty Burr, Henry Deutsch, Lake Worth, FL Jane Heilbron, Pat Hofmann, Mickey Karlan, Valerie Levitt, Phyllis Lippman, Sue Maier, Ondrea Schiciano, Bobby Stayman and Madeline Vogel did an May 22 amazing job organizing the event. Squash alumnus, Annual Chicago Golf Tournament Sarah Odell, shared her life-changing Maccabiah Glencoe, IL experience with all in attendance. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us on October 1, for our 13th annual “Bar Mitzvah Year” Bridge Tournament in June 12 memory of Edythe Levitt. Memorial Golf Tournament Cherry Hill, NJ

Ondrea Levitt Schiciano, July 4 Sarah Odell International Maccabi Culinary Competition , Israel The Maccabi USA Annual July 4 Conference Weekend Induction Ceremony took place December 9–11, 2016, International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in Newark, New . There were Netanya over 50 people in attendance for the conference which was packed with information about the upcoming World July 4-18 L-R: Back, Ron Carner, Jed Margolis, Maccabiah Games. Everyone was able 20th World Maccabiah Games Bob Spivak; Front: Sue Millis, Toni Wortman Israel to attend the screening of ‘On the Map’ the new documentary about Maccabi Tel Avi’s 1977 European Basketball Championship featuring our own . Immediately following the movie screening, attendees joined us October 1 for a cocktail reception where the leadership paid tribute to Sue Millis, prior to her retirement 13th Annual Westchester Brunch & Bridge on December 31, 2016. Tournament in Memory of Edythe Levitt Purchase, NY

October 2 San Francisco Golf & Bridge Tournaments Daly City, CA

December 1-3 Annual Maccabi USA Conference & Officer Elections New York, NY

December 3 Legends of the Maccabiah Gala Brunch New York, NY Get connected, stay engaged...

Like Us On Follow Us On Follow Us On 8 | sportscene | Spring 2017 Facebook Twitter Instagram SPRING 2017 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE UPDATE

With the 20th Maccabiah Games athletes there will be 150,000 bed-nights, 1,800 buses daily, and a just around the corner, the tireless total budget of 120 million New Israel Shekels (over $40,000,000) efforts of our volunteers and staff are to produce the Games. We provide $3.5 million in subsidies for Team already paying off. On July 6 we will USA, plus we are the only delegation to contribute to Maccabi World be marching into Teddy Stadium in Union to make the Games happen. We provide over $500,000 to at the Opening Ceremony MWU to help other countries like Poland, Czech Republic, Cuba, with a USA Delegation of over 1,100 Ukraine, and others where the economies are tanking. Through our strong. That is more than double Light It Forward direct mail campaign, we help to assist athletes from the size of Team USA at last year’s distressed communities around the world. Olympics in . Yet we are able As we approach the Opening Ceremony, the fundraising efforts have to do it with the dedication of a also ramped up so that we can get to the finish line. We are three- committee of 125 and a staff of quarters of the way there and with a final push we will come up nine!!! Truly amazing!!! with the $12,000,000 needed to send our Team to the Games. Our In my last column I mentioned our Hasbara program in conjunction endowments continue to grow and help support our program. I with StandWithUs. I learned that our umbrella organization, Maccabi am pleased to share with you that we recently received a match World Union (MWU), is replicating this important program for all grant of $1,000,000 from Aileen and Brian Roberts, and are most 10,000 athletes from 80 countries. Our ISRAEL CONNECT Program, appreciative. Thank you to all our supporters and endowers for formerly known as Pre-Camp, which Maccabi USA started over 30 helping our Maccabiah dreams come true. years ago is also being embraced by many other countries. This is This summer in Israel will be truly special and I hope that you will the highest form of flattery and we are proud of these programs. join us. During the 20th Maccabiah Games we will mark the 50th Our athletes will also be engaged in our Tzedakah program known as anniversary of the reunification of the city of Jerusalem, our eternal Lev L’Lev, or Heart to Heart in Hebrew. It is another way that we are capital; the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration; and the 85th teaching values and creating connections to the broader community. anniversary of the first Maccabiah Games in 1932. From the vision I credit our volunteers with being the impetus for developing these of a young teen, Yosef Yekuteli, and humble beginnings with just 390 wonderful components so that the Maccabiah experience goes well athletes from 14 countries including 9 Americans, the Maccabiah beyond the field of competition. now has almost 10,000 Jewish athletes from 80 countries worldwide. This summer’s Maccabiah will feature a Culinary Competition, Hi-Tech Yet none of this would happen without our wonderful volunteers, who program, Dance Festival and much more. Through the good work of are key to our success. They are the ones who have put us on the Yogi, our Maccabi Shaliach, we have an intern program where eight map. young adults are living in Israel from January through the Maccabiah and helping with administering the Games. We are also thrilled to Toda Raba. JED MARGOLIS, Executive Director be working with Birthright. You should be aware that for the 10,000

Spring 201 | sportscene | 9 news

BRUCE APPLE – 1989 & 2013 ADAM MOYERMAN – 2001–2013 Maccabiah, ROBERT RAKOWITZ – Maccabiah, 2015 European 2007, 2015 Pan Am – won a bronze medal in 2013 Maccabiah – won – received the People’s the 30-34 age group, 73kg weight class; the New York State Choice Award from the and DR. SANDY NORTH – 1985–1993 Maccabiah Individual Time Trial Katz JCC at their annual – won a gold medal in the 60-64 age group, Championship on Sports Award Dinner 66kg weight class. August 7, 2016 at Tioga in Cherry Hill, NJ on Center, NY. September 26, 2016. JASON KASTNER – ALI SCHWACH – 2005, JEFF BUKANTZ – 1981–1993 1999, 2003 Pan Am – 2009 Maccabiah Maccabiah, 2015 European, wed SIMONE GAITZ on – married JESSE 2015 Pan Am, Board – November 12, 2016. BALABAN-FELD on represented Maccabi USA September 4, 2016 at the Maccabi in Minneapolis, MN. 110th Anniversary in Alumni in attendance Helsinki on November were SAM BALABAN- SAVANNAH LEVIN – 2013 Maccabiah – helped 6, 2016. The founding FELD and MORRY the University of Southern California of Makkabi Helsinki allowed for a sports and STEINBACH. Women’s Soccer Team win the 2016 NCAA culture club for the Jewish Community. Championship. This is the second title for the LENNY SILBERMAN – Board – will receive a BENNY FEILHABER – 2005 Maccabiah, 1999 Pan Am USC’s ‘Women of Troy.’ Lifetime Achievement Award at the International – signed a new two-year contract with Sporting Jewish Sports Hall of Fame at their induction ANDI MUREZ – 2009, Kansas City in November 2016. Feilhaber ceremony on July 4 in Israel. 2013 Maccabiah – was is a six-year MLS veteran and has been a inducted into the professional since 2005. Greater Washington DC Jewish Sports Hall of Southern California Fame inducted their 2016 Class on November Three alumni competed at the International Jewish Sports Hall of 19. Four alumni were recognized: MITCHELL Judo Federation World Veterans Championship Fame on January 28. BERLINER – 2015 Pan Am; and LISA LEVIN November 17–21, 2016 in Ft. Lauderdale, Andi most recently REICHMANN – 2003 Pan Am. JASON BELINKIE – Florida and medaled at the event. BRIAN represented Israel at 2013 Maccabiah – received the JCC Legacy Award; HERSKOWITZ – 1985 Maccabiah – won a gold the 2016 Rio Olympic and DANIEL KUHNREICH – 2015 European – was medal at 55-59 age group, 60kg weight class; Games. recognized as a 2016 Hyman M. and Phillip D. Perlo High School Athlete.

Welcome to our MACCABABIES!

RABBI TINA (HUGHES) – CHRIS – 2015 Pan Am – BOB SPIVAK – Board SHANE – 2015 European, YOGEV – Shaliach – and 2005, 2009 Maccabiah, 2007 and ANNALISA GIBBONS – and TAYLOR HOGGE 2015 Pan Am, Staff – and SHANI MATOK welcomed Pan Am – and MATT SOBO welcomed their daughter, welcomed their second JAIME CARR welcomed their daughter Mika, their welcomed a daughter, Gloria Viviana Graham great grandchild, Isabella their first child, a son, first child, on January 7. Stephanie, on February 2, Gibbons, on October 18, Cecelyn Tummings, on on December 9, 2016. Mika will have the difficult 2016. Tina is now the 2016 in Philadelphia. November 3, 2016. Buddy Miles Carr is decision of deciding Assistant Rabbi and Their son Allesandro, Parents RACHAEL SPIVAK looking forward to whether to compete for Jerome Epstein Director two, is excited to be a and ANDREW TUMMINGS competing at the 2033 Israel or the USA at the of Education at Temple big brother. and big sister Andrealle Maccabiah Games. 2033 Maccabiah Games. Israel in Dayton, OH. are thrilled to hang out with their great grandpop.

10 | sportscene | Spring 2017 We mourn the passing...

Rebecca Weissbard Mitchell Kline Sean Pleskow Barry Dattel AUGUST 31, 2016 SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 NOVEMBER 6, 2016 DECEMBER 31, 2016 Equestrian – 2013 Maccabiah Softball – 1985-1997 Maccabiah, Soccer – 2013 Maccabiah Table Tennis – 1985–1993 Maccabiah A horseback rider from Long 1999 Pan Am Sean was a beloved member of Barry was an avid Table Tennis Island, New York, Rebecca died at Mitchell was a member of the first the USA Men’s Youth Soccer Team athlete and won a silver and an upstate New York equestrian Maccabi USA Men’s Fast Pitch at the last Maccabiah Games two bronze medals during his competition. She was a member of Softball team to compete at the as well as a valued member of Maccabiah competitions. He also the first USA Team participating in World Maccabiah Games in 1985. the University of California, San had won numerous U.S. National the Equestrian competition at the He continued to compete as an Diego Soccer team, where he was Table Tennis titles, most recently last Maccabiah and took the gold athlete and coach, becoming a in his third year. He was a great the U.S. Open Over-50 Table medal in the jumping competition. beloved member of the Maccabi teammate, player and friend who Tennis Championships. Barry was She had an infectious smile and Men’s Softball fraternity. Mitchell had the opportunity to march into a lifetime member of USA Table was loved by many. was a beloved teacher, coach, the Opening Ceremony at the Tennis, an International Table friend, husband and father. Maccabiah Games alongside his Tennis Federation certified coach, brother, Will, a member of the and the director and owner of the Open Men’s Soccer Team. Lily Yip Table Tennis Center for the last six years. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families. May their memories be for a blessing.

LEGACY SOCIETY

We Build Jewish Pride Through Sports. Jewish continuity and You can become a member of the Legacy Society in many support for the State of Israel are our goals and we different ways, each offering financial and tax benefits. These achieve them through our unique programming and the life- include an outright gift, a bequest in a will, an insurance policy, changing experiences we offer Jewish athletes of all ages. designation of a retirement asset or IRA, and supporting You can help ensure that we are always able to provide these foundations and private foundations. experiences to future generations of Jewish athletes by joining Legacy Society gifts can be structured to benefit Maccabi USA our Legacy Society. No matter your level of wealth, anyone can and any program or initiative of the organization. So don’t participate in the Legacy Society. It does not matter how you do wait, please consider joining the other members of the Legacy it, only that you make a decision to do so. Society to help ensure that Maccabi USA will continue to provide its unique programming, providing life-changing experiences and building Jewish continuity in perpetuity.

LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS

Hank Alpert Libby Newman Feldman Jackie and Nat Levine Jeff Schulman Ellen and Si Atlas Suzan and Karen Karper Ken Schwartz Robyn Barsky Heidi and Ben Fox Donald Kent Claire A. and Alan Sherman Sandi and Jerry Bloomberg Gary Freedson Harvey Leff Taylor Hogge and Robert Spivak Merri and Jay Blumenfeld Marilyn Glaser Donald I. Levin Ellen and Sam Sporn Jerry Bornstein, MD Joy and Gary Gordon Irv Levine Louise and Bill Steerman Ray Brenner Jennifer and Dan Greyber David Lowenthal Dana and Mark Susson Jim Bronner Betsy Grossman Beth and Jed Margolis Harry Swimmer Talia and Ron Carner Harvey Gutman Ilene and Mel Miller Frank Velie Fred Cohen and Family Alan Hahn Harvey Morgan David Weissman Douglas Erenberg Richard Hermann Jay Moses Steven Wertheim Susan and Leland Faust Larry Hirsch John Paul Toni and Wally Wortman Marilyn Labkon Leonard Reifman

Spring 2017 | sportscene | 11 United States Committee Non-Profit Org. Sports for Israel US Postage 1511 Walnut Street, Suite 401 PAID Philadelphia, PA 19102 Permit No. 1291 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Philadelphia, PA President Ron Carner Executive Director Jed Margolis Marketing Director Sara Feinstein Marketing Associate Dakota Marine JOIN OUR Design The Kiva Group EMAIL LIST 1511 Walnut St., Suite 401, Philadelphia, PA 19102 215.561.6900 Fax: 215.561.5470 [email protected] www.maccabiusa.com ©2009 Maccabi USA Maccabi USA is a Registered Trademark Since 1948, Maccabi USA (MUSA) has sought to enrich the lives of Jews in the United States, Israel and throughout the Diaspora through athletic, cultural and educational programs. The organization is the sponsor of the U.S. Team to the World Maccabiah Games. MUSA also sponsors U.S. participation in Maccabi competitions in Pan America and Europe, and supports Jewish youth through the JCC Maccabi Games. MACCABI USA/SPORTS FOR ISRAEL ENDOWMENTS as of January 16, 2017 PATRONS • Level $1,000,000+ GIBORIM • Level $50,000+ The Fraenkel Family Foundation Borden Family In Honor of Carly & Erica Novich Aileen & Brian (A) Roberts Sandi & Jerry Bloomberg Doris & Sheldon (A) (z”l) Gitman Jeffrey Bukantz (A) Randolph & Judith Pace Foundation Ellen & Samuel (A) Sporn (IC) The Chaskin Family Norma & Charles Golden Ralph Chernin & Family Muriel & Ed Pickard Stuart Weitzman Family Foundation (A) Florence & Michael Edelstein Joy & Gary (A) Gordon Linda & Jeffrey Chodorow Bernard Pomerantz Memorial Fund Benjamin Frankel Fund Jean & Stephen Kaplan Marcia & Sheldon Cloobeck The Pressman & Friends Group CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE Lynn & Carl (z”l) Goldstein Stanley Kleckner (A) Sophie & Albert Crome Anne & Harry J. Reicher Foundation Level $180,000+ Mark S. & Marty Goldstein Marilyn & Mark Labkon Family Steven Damashek Memorial Fund Linda Rice Kerry & Alan (A) Appelbaum Shirlee & Bill (A) (z”l) Jacobs Endowment Miriam & Harvey Diamond Rochester Chapter Maccabi USA Talia & Ron Carner Ira Kamens Carol (z”l) & Harvey (A) Leff Leo Eisner Louise & Claude (A) Rosenberg Leah & Ed Frankel Donna & Jeffrey (A) Laikind Jon (A), Kelly, Kenton & Ashlyn Levin Field-Krasnoff Nina & Robert Rosenthal Keith Frankel (A) Ilene & Melvyn Miller Cissie & Robert Levy Freidin-Ziman Judith & Ben (A) Rubin Monica & Barry Gurland Robert Pincus (A) & Family Sydney Levy Memorial Rhona & David Furman Neal Rudder Iris & Igal Hami Estherly & Leonard (A) Reifman Ronnie & David Lowenthal Gittleson Family Endowment Salter/Praw Edy (z”l) & V. David (A) (z”l) Levitt Barbara Brizdle (A) Tonja & Joel Magerman Richard Goldman Memorial Fund Salter Family Trust Phyllis Magerman (z”l) B’nai Mitzvah & Larry Schoenberg (A) Michael L. Magerman Family Rita & Marvin Goldstein Toby & Michael Salter Endowment Janet & Ellis (z”l) Shore Beth & Jed (A) Margolis Joy & Jerry Monkarsh Jill & Stu (A) Siegel Edward Gottlieb Memorial Fund Naomi & Dolph (A) (z”l) Schayes Taylor Hogge & Robert E. Spivak Harry & Beatrice Sley Ava, Edward & Jordan (A) Mendelson Zachary Hahn Memorial Fund Wendy & Dan (A) Schayes Foundation/Betsy Grossman Dennis (A), Marc & Steve Needleman Benjamin Joseph Hahn Memorial Fund In Memory of Arthur & PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE Diane & David Stern Bernard Osher Foundation Bettina & Izzy (A) Horowitz Edith Selverstone Level $100,000+ Marilyn & Harry Swimmer The Pincus Charitable Fund (A) Laura & Richard (z”l) Horowitz Nancy & James Shalek Sarah & Robert Cohn The Rabinovitch Foundation (A) Barbara & George Hyman Sharrow Memorial Fund Cecile (z”l) & Allan Dalfen ISRAEL SPORTS AMBASSADOR May & Samuel Rudin Foundation Leslie & David (A) Kantor Jason Shrinsky Cecile & Lester (z”l) Fein Level $25,000+ Silverstein Family Susan & Robert Klein Sidney Margolis Memorial Endowment Suzan & Allen Fox Jan Albert (A) Family Golf Endowment Dana & Mark Susson Sondra & Herbert Kupersmith Siegfried Family Mark S. Goldstein & The Jean Alenstein Trust Ellen & Simon Atlas Wertheim Family Endowment Carole & Robert Landau Charles Simon Kantor (A)/Knue (A) Family Cathy & Marc (A) Backal Scott, Jan, Morgan & Skylar Lane Rhea & Edward Slade Phyllis (z”l) & Alan Magerman ENDOWMENT • Level Under $25,000 Gladys & Lewis (A) Bass Dan Levenson Edward M. Slater Memorial Fund Amy & Alan Meltzer Anonymous Family Endowment Jeanie & Armand Lindenbaum Louise & William Steerman Susan & Harvey Morgan The Abramson Family Foundation Jerome Bornstein (A) & Morris & Rose Mark J. Rosenberg Memorial Fund Tanner Tananbaum The Sheldon Family (A) Bornstein Memorial Fund Jean R. Alenstein Trust Dr. Lee Winston & Herman Silver Tema & Joseph Merback Ruth & Howard Walzer The Peter Brand Foundation (A) Gerry & Hank Alpert Charitable Fund/Sam Rabinowitz (z”l) Milken Family Foundation Patricia & Philip Wexler Ruth & Ray Brenner Arlene & Richard (z”l) Batchley Toni & Wally Wortman June & Sidney Moray Ira & Shirley Yohalem Endowment Barbara & Jim (A) Bronner Berlin Family Foundation Inc. Selig Zises & Ellyn Bank (A) Jan & Jay (A) Moses Deborah Miller & William Zabel (A) Marilyn & Simon Denenberg Doris Dannenhirsch Beshunsky (A) (z”l) 16th & 17th U.S. Maccabiah Teams 20TH MACCABIAH FUND A NEED (Gifts over $5,000) as of January 16, 2017

Anonymous Glen Davis (A) Sigmund Hiller (z”l) Moscatel Family (A) Hilare & Howard Solomon Lorraine (A) & Richard (A) (z”l) Abramson** Susan & Leland Faust (A) Kim & Steven (A) Horowitz Nina & Edward Paul Family Stephanie & Jeffrey (A) Sorkin Debbie (A) & Anthony Adams**** Robert Fogel Kantor/Knue Families**** The Perelman Family Foundation Tracey (A) & Shanin (A) Specter Adler Family Jess Forrest (A) Stuart & Eileen Kaufman Foundation Inc. Philadelphia Revolution Ice Hockey Rebecca & J. Andrew Stein Jane & John (A) August Ben Fox (A) Marc Kirshner Emily & David (A) Pottruck Edward Stern & Stephanie Rein Judith & Lawrence (A) Belinsky Gary Freedson (A) Komberg Family (A) Helen & David (A) Pudlin Elaine & Gwendolyn Symonds Bender Foundation, Inc. (IC) Mona Geller Gil Koppel (A) Bruce Ratner John Tamerin (A) & Susan Penry-Williams Lea & Arnie Bengis & Gregg Goldberg (A) Wendy & Jeff (A) Krieger Aileen & Brian (A) Roberts (IC) Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Jeff & Marlene Noll (IC) Jason Goldblatt (A) Betty & Charles Lebovitz*** Traci & Roy (A) Salter Jenny & Neil Tramer Janelle & Greg Berger Lisa & Douglas Goldman Fund John Levene (A) Susan & Richard Schnall (A) TSG Reporting Inc. Sandi & Jerry Bloomberg Cheryl & Adam (A) Goldstein Alan Lipp Alan Schneider, The Antique Traders Owner Lisa & Neil Wallack & Family Bindler, Bogen, Buchwald, Eisenman, Laura & David Goone Anthony E. Mann Seed The Dream Foundation (IC) Dan Weiner (A) & Family Kent, Novatt & Associates Christina & Larry (A) Green Elizabeth & Robert Margolis (IC) Chris & Murray Sheldon Westreich Family Talia & Ron Carner Linda (z”l) & Frank Greenberg (z”l) (IC) Budd & Nanette Mayer Family Foundation** Slade Family Foundation Kathleen & David (A) Wit Lisa Melmed & Steven Cohen (A) Andrew Harrison Paula & David Menche Larry Smith & Family USA Maccabiah Masters Men’s Shari Cohen & Craig Donoff**** Becky & David Heller**** Pat & Steve Mizel**** Sylvia & Martin Snow Soccer Alumni Drs. Gaby & Danny Cosgrove (A) Charitable Foundation (IC)

(A) Athlete | (IC) ISRAEL CONNECT | **Sponsored two athletes ($6,000 per athlete) | ***Sponsored three athletes | ****Sponsored four athletes or more HAPPY PASSOVER!