Title
To recognize the 60th anniversary of the Maccabi Usa/Sports For Israel.
Body
WHEREAS, since its origination in 1932, Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel endeavors, through sports, to perpetuate and preserve the American Jewish community by encouraging Jewish pride, strengthening Jewish bonds and by creating a heightened awareness of Israel and Jewish identity; and
WHEREAS, as a volunteer organization, the Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel seeks to enrich the lives of Jewish youth in the United States, Israel and the Diaspora through athletic, cultural and educational programs; and
WHEREAS, often referred to as the "Jewish Olympics," the 18th Annual Maccabiah Games will be held July 12-23 in Israel, inviting the most outstanding Jewish athletes to participate in over 40 sporting events; and
WHEREAS, in the past 18 years, the Maccabiah Games grew to over 7000 athletes from over 60 countries making it the third largest sports event in the world; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the Maccabiah Games is to perpetuate and preserve the American Jewish community by encouraging Jewish Pride, strengthening Jewish bonds, and by creating a heightened awareness of Israel and Jewish Identity, Maccabi USA established a Pre Camp in Israel in 1989, including B'nai Mitzvah and touring of Israel; and
WHEREAS, Jewish Community Center Assistant Executive Director Tim Kauffman will be competing in the Masters Men's Softball Games, and JCC Tennis Pro Pam Libby will be competing on the Master's Women's 45+ tennis team; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council hereby recognizes the 60th anniversary of the Maccabi Usa/Sports For Israel, honors the 18th Annual Maccabiah Games, and wishes our area athletes the best of luck in Israel.