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July 27, 2001/Av 7, 5761, Vol. 53, No.42
16th Maccabiah Games come to a close
JESSICA STEINBERG
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
JERUSALEM - The 16th Maccabiah Games ended with a lot of fanfare, flaming batons and fireworks - and a sigh of relief from the organizers that the much-anticipated event had ended safely and without mishap.
There were hundreds of police officers and soldiers surrounding the outdoor Jerusalem space where the event was held. In addition, X-ray scanners and metal detectors checked bags and bodies, making the attendees feel secure.
This was the first time the Maccabiah opening and closing ceremonies were held in Jerusalem. Last week's opening event was at Teddy Stadium, in the city's southern corner, while the closing party was in the cavity of Sultan's Pool, a Herodian reservoir that looks up at the ancient walls of the Old City.
More than one delegation head said he would breathe more easily once his athletes were home safe and sound - but he was glad they had attended this year's Games.
"This was about solidarity, showing a deep connection to the state of Israel," said Richard Feldman, the delegation head for Great Britain, who brought 160 athletes instead of the usual 350 British delegates.
Indeed, that was the theme of the closing ceremony: "Am Echad" - or One Nation - and "We Are One," both of which were printed on the T-shirts worn by American athletes to the final event.
"This year's Maccabiah made a statement, and the athletes should feel proud," said Bob Spivack, president of the Philadelphia-based Maccabiah USA. "It's about more than sports."
After the bombing at the Dolphinarium disco in Tel Aviv at the beginning of June, several countries pulled out of the Maccabiah Games, despite pleas from Israel that they not award a victory to Palestinian terrorists.
The USA team almost canceled as well, which could have been fatal to the Games.
Yet despite fewer teams and athletes than in previous years, many participants felt the level of competition was still high.
Israel blew away the rest of the field in the medal race, winning 96 gold, 74 silver and 74 bronze medals.
The U.S. team came in second, with 21 gold, 23 silver and 30 bronze medals.
With this year's competition safely behind them, some began setting their sights to the future.
"We need to start planning now for the next Games in four years," said Mark Berman, a coach for the Israeli softball team.
It didn't seem as if the athletes were ready to leave after the closing ceremony July 23. They stomped their feet, waved colored flashlights and hooted their way through the show.
In return, the athletes were thanked and applauded for their decision to compete.
"The very fact that the 16th Maccabiah was held, against all odds, is a tribute to the Jewish people of the world," said Oudi Recanati chairman of the Maccabi World Union.
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