ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Updated:

Maccabi World Union has opened its Kfar Maccabiah facilities to hostages recently released from captivity in Gaza and their families, providing them with a place to recover and readjust to daily life following their release from Sheba Medical Center.

The initiative is part of a broader national effort to support those freed from Hamas captivity since October 7, as they undergo physical and emotional rehabilitation. While at Kfar Maccabiah, in Ramat Gan, the released hostages and their families are being supported by mental health professionals, medical staff, and other essential services to help them reintegrate into society.

Maccabi World Union, the world’s largest Jewish sports and education organization, has been involved in various civilian support initiatives since October 7. These include assisting evacuees, survivors of the Nova music festival, displaced citizens, and IDF soldiers. Thousands of soldiers have also stayed at Kfar Maccabiah for recovery and debriefing in recent months.
Released hostage Emily Damari speaks on a large screen during the Israeli Premier League match between Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. at the Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv, February 3, 2025.
Released hostage Emily Damari speaks on a large screen during the Israeli Premier League match between Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. at the Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv, February 3, 2025. (credit: OREN BEN HAKOON/FLASH90)

Maccabi's global impact

The organization has led several international campaigns, including the Maccabi Global Women’s Forum, which advocates for the release of women held by Hamas, and “Sport Speaks Up,” which partners athletes with hostages’ stories to raise global awareness.

“Maccabi World Union and the Maccabiah are deeply connected to the Jewish people, in Israel and around the world,” said MWU CEO Amir Gissin. “We see it as our duty and privilege to support the hostages and their families, to give them a safe space to heal and regain strength.”

While hosting the released hostages and their families, preparations continue for the next Maccabiah Games, M25, which were postponed from this past summer due to the war and rescheduled for next summer.