1989 Maccabiah Games


The 1989 13th Maccabiah Games brought 4,500 athletes to Israel from 45 nations.
Jewish athletes from Hungary participated for the first time since World War II, Jewish athletes from Russia had been permitted, by their country, to play for the first time.
Lithuania competed in first and second games, but had to stop because of occupation by Soviet Union. In 1989 Lithuania reentered the games and it was the first time after occupation when athletes from Lithuania participated under Lithuanian flag in competition recognized by IOC.

History

The Maccabiah Games were first held in 1932. In 1961, they were declared a "Regional Sports Event" by, and under the auspices and supervision of, the International Olympic Committee.

Notable medalists

American Olympian Ken Flax won the gold medal in the hammer throw with a 78.86 meter toss. American Olympian and world champion Joanna Zeiger competed in swimming and won a gold medal, a silver medal, and two bronze medals. American squash player Stephen L. Green competed, but could not repeat his 1985 bronze medal performance. Chris O'Loughlin won a silver medal in epee in fencing for the United States. Basketball player Jerry Simon, who later made aliyah and played professionally in Israel, won a silver medal with Team USA.
Israeli Ron Kaplan won a gold medal in the gymnastics individual all-around competition. Argentine soccer player Esteban Becker won a silver medal.
Israel won 97 golden medals, while United States finished second with 74 golds.

Closing ceremony

The closing ceremony was held at the Western Wall in Jerusalem for the first time.

Participating Jewish communities

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