Austin’s delegation at the 2024 JCC Maccabi Games. Credit: Ira Rozen

By Lauren Halpern

Caroline Corson was 14 when she traveled to Omaha for The JCC Maccabi Games in 2010. She arrived with 30 other Jewish teens from Dallas, each competing in their favorite sport. Corson’s was tennis, but her real goal was to make new friends.

“I had no idea there were so many Jewish kids in Dallas,” she said. “Once we got to The Games, we stayed with a Jewish family and a few girls from Maryland. We met kids from Spain and Israel. We bonded with athletes all week.” Corson’s new circle of friends expanded her world, carrying her through high school and beyond. “I joined BBYO and spent weekends with my new friends,” said Caroline, who now works in marketing at Shalom Austin. “I’m still in touch with many of those folks today!”

Since 1982, The JCC Maccabi Games has brought together Jewish teens (ages 13-17) from around the world to compete in Olympic-style sports. Athletes compete in dozens of sports, from basketball to swimming and soccer to dance.

While the experience is competitive, the focus is team bonding, and all skill levels are welcome. “We strive to deepen Jewish identity and create lifelong friendships,” said Mark Pattis, senior experience director at Shalom Austin. For over 60% of participants, Maccabi is the gateway to Jewish life. This is the activity that connects them to other Jewish teens.

Austin’s Turn: Hosting in 2027

In 2027, Shalom Austin will host the JCC Maccabi Games for the third time (they previously hosted in 2004 and 2013). The exact dates will be announced soon. Austin’s warm hospitality and strong Jewish community make it the perfect host city.

Pattis and Lindsey Durnil, Shalom Austin’s member experience director will lead the project for Shalom Austin, with Jeff Newberg, Julie Waltzer, and Lauren Halpern serving as co-chairs.

What can Austin expect?

Austin will host 1,000 Jewish teen athletes from the US, Europe, Mexico, Canada, and Israel

Four days of Olympic-style sports, volunteer service projects (tikkun olam), and evening social events like the Opening and Closing Ceremonies Maccabi Access: Inclusive programming for Jewish athletes (ages 12-22) with intellectual and developmental disabilities, supported one-on-one to enjoy the competition and camaraderie

L’Dor V’Dor (From Generation to Generation)

“Even though my son Ryan played football for Westlake, The JCC Maccabi Games was his absolute favorite!” Jeff Newberg said. “He’s now working and married and plans to come back and coach basketball in 2027.”

Julie Waltzer says her kids Noah and Addison love Maccabi. “Noah plays soccer and Addison dances. It lets them experience sports through a Jewish lens. They’re super proud to be part of Team Austin.”

Calling All Volunteers!

The Games rely on a team behind the team. In 2027, Shalom Austin will need hundreds of volunteers to make The Games unforgettable — from transportation, coaching and logistics to cheering on athletes and hosting visiting teens in local homes. Volunteers also manage events like the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

To join the volunteer squad, email Lindsey Durnil at [email protected].

Join the Movement

Jewish teens of all skill levels are welcome — everyone has a place here! The goal is to bring teens together to celebrate Jewish spirit (ruach) and build friendships that last a lifetime.

Join Shalom Austin this summer as a spectator from August 3-8 to watch The Games in Pittsburgh. There are 44 athletes representing Austin, led by Delegation Head and Athletics Director, Tommy Romano.

If you missed the 2025 sign-up, visit shalomaustin.org/ Maccabi to register your teen (ages 13-17) for 2026 in Kansas City.

Finally, it’s not too early to raise your hand to help in 2027! We can’t wait to welcome the world’s Jewish teen athletes to Austin in 2027.

For updates, visit shalomaustin.org/jccmaccabi2027