The 18th Maccabiah Games, popularly known as the ‘Jewish Olympics’, were opened on Monday in Tel Aviv. The 12-day event is the biggest ever, with 7,300 competitors coming from 65 countries. The games are held every four years and always in Israel. "You represent 65 countries but one united people," Prime Minister Netanyahu said in his welcoming remarks at the National Stadium in Tel Aviv.
"You have come from all corners of the world and it is thrilling that you are here ... I thank you for coming, for your participation but I ask you to do one more thing: immigrate to Israel, your place is here, come and be a part of us," said Netanyahu.
The largest delegation, with 2,000 athletes, comes from Israel. The United States sent over 900 athletes. The Olympic-style opening ceremony saw the delegations march into the stadium behind their national flags. The festivities included hundreds of flamboyantly costumed dancers, singers, drummers and riders on lit-up bicycles. They also featured a children's chorus, an orchestra and some of Israel's top pop acts.
