2022 Maccabiah Games

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Dear Family & Friends

I have had the honor and privilege of being selected for the U.S. Open Division of the USA Wrestling Team for the 2022 Maccabiah. Often referred to as the “Jewish Olympics,” the Maccabiah brings together 10,000 Jewish athletes from 80 countries, making it one of the largest gatherings of Diaspora Jewry in the world.

Beyond sports, this experience includes an additional week-long cultural-educational journey in Israel that will bring me closer to my teammates, my Jewish heritage, and to Israel which I have never visited. You may have heard of Birthright Israel and its impact on the Jewish community. However, you may not be aware that following the last Maccabiah, a team of researchers from Brandeis University concluded that "individuals who had a Maccabiah and a Birthright Israel experience generally felt that the Maccabiah experience was more valuable."

Additionally, I am being provided with the chance to compete as an athlete in Freestyle, Greco-Roman and Beach wrestling against some of the better wrestlers around the world who I might never have an opportunity to compete against and test my skills. I am confident that this experience will help prepare me for my last year of wrestling at Cornell University and beyond.

The cost of participating in the Maccabiah is high, so I am asking for your help in covering the money required to go on this three-week journey. If you’re able to support me in this once-in-a-lifetime endeavor to represent not just my country, but the Jewish people, you can do so online HERE at @Irwin-Loew

Please make sure to note my name in any available memo lines so the funds are directed towards my costs.

Donations to help me cover the cost for this experience are unfortunately not tax-deductible because I am receiving the benefit of going on this trip. Thanks so much for considering this request and please reach out to me any time.

Sincerely,

Jonathan S. Loew

Maccabi USA Wrestling Team

To learn more about Maccabi USA and how it impacts thousands of Jewish lives, please visit: www.maccabiusa.com.