Macabi Reflections
A group of seven young people from the greater Youngstown area traveled to Pittsburgh to participate in this year’s Maccabi Games. They competed in basketball, soccer, and swimming. One acted as star reporter, recording the event through photos. Here are reflections on the experience from four participants.
Blythe Hively
This was my third year at Maccabi and it did not disappoint. My past years at Maccabi were amazing as well, but this year might have been my favorite. This year I felt more connected to the other teens around me and I felt the dorms had a big part in that. Maccabi overall is a Jewish enriching experience. I felt comfortable with my identity everywhere I went and there was not a minute where I felt judged by other teens or people. Sometimes you would even have to stop and realize that everyone was Jewish. Everyone is different there, we all come from different parts of the worlds, different lives, but we all connect and become friends with one thing and that is being Jewish. No matter where you were from or what interests and views you had, everyone was still so supportive.
This year I walked out of Maccabi a more confident person and more comfortable with my identity than I have ever been in my life. One of my favorite moments from this Maccabi was on the last day when Team Ohio was gathered in the dorm hallways talking, listening to music, and chatting with the other teens around us because we all knew the next morning we would have to leave and say goodbye. In the past years, I had not really gotten to know the other Team Ohio members because we all had different sports and host families but this year we were in the dorms and I got to meet so many different people and connect to them on different levels. Maccabi will always be one of my favorite Jewish events because the experience is priceless and the people that I meet there never fail to make me smile.
Madeline Long
Maccabi not only gave me the opportunity to play soccer, but allowed me to be part of a tradition that connects me deeply to my Jewish identity.
The Maccabi Games have always been more than just a competition for me. They are a celebration of community, heritage, and pride. Walking onto the field surrounded by Jewish athletes from across the country—and even the world—reminds me that we share something special. We may come from different places, but we are all connected by our culture, history, and love for the games.
One of my favorite moments this year came during a close match when we were tied with just minutes left on the clock. The sun was setting, the stands were full of cheering families, and my teammates and I could feel the pressure. We pushed forward together, passing with perfect timing, and when the winning goal went in, the entire team rushed the field. It wasn’t just about the win—it was the feeling of unity, pride, and joy we all shared in that moment. That’s what Maccabi is about for me: playing the sport I love while feeling connected to something bigger than myself.
Over the past years, I’ve made friendships and memories at Maccabi that I will carry with me for a lifetime, and this year was no different. Every game reminded me why I love being part of this incredible event. Looking ahead, I’m already excited for next year’s Maccabi Games. I can’t wait to represent our community once again, grow as an athlete, and continue to strengthen my Jewish connection through sports.
Henry Long
The 2025 JCC Maccabi Games was such a fun experience, just like last year. Even though I broke my foot in the second game, I was still able to play four games and my team ended up winning bronze in 3v3 basketball. I was also awarded the yellow medal for the hostages still sadly being held hostage and was able to dedicate it to Alon Ohel who has been in captivity for over 670 days. The atmosphere of Maccabi is so welcoming and inviting for young Jewish athletes who are trying to compete and make friends.
Tres Hively
The 2025 Pittsburgh Maccabi experience was, without a doubt, one of the most memorable and impactful experiences of my year. This was my fourth year participating in the games, and each year has brought with it a unique sense of excitement, growth, and community. Returning to Maccabi feels like coming back to a second home, one filled with energy, support, and friendships that have lasted over the years.
Swimming, of course, was at the heart of my Maccabi experience. Each time I step onto the pool deck, I feel a sense of belonging that is hard to replicate anywhere else. The friendships I’ve developed over the years, strengthened each summer, have become a cornerstone of why I keep returning to Maccabi. Even when the meet is over or a race doesn’t go exactly as planned, the support from my teammates and friends reminds me of the importance of community and mutual encouragement.
Beyond swimming, Maccabi provided countless opportunities for connection, growth, and joy. Participating in team events, social gatherings, and informal moments of laughter and conversation created memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime. I found myself constantly inspired by the sense of unity and shared purpose that permeates the entire Maccabi community. It is remarkable to be part of an organization where athletes, coaches, and volunteers come together to create an environment that is both challenging and nurturing. These experiences have not only strengthened my athletic abilities but have also shaped my perspective on leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Every year, as my time at Maccabi comes to an end, I find myself feeling a touch of homesickness, not for my physical home, but for the Maccabi experience itself. The friendships, the excitement of the competitions, the sense of being part of something larger than myself, all of these leave a lasting impression that lingers long after the games are over. The feeling of coming back, knowing that I will have the chance to return next year, brings a sense of belonging that is rare to find elsewhere.
Reflecting on my 2025 Maccabi experience, I am reminded of how much this program has shaped me over the years and deepened my Jewish identity. It has strengthened my dedication to swimming, taught me perseverance, and allowed me to connect with a community that is supportive, inspiring, and full of joy. The friendships I’ve made and the environment of Maccabi have made this journey truly unforgettable. I am deeply grateful to the Youngstown community and the Federation for giving teens the opportunity to experience Maccabi each year.