Maccabiah torch journeying through Australia
When Maccabi World Union decided the Maccabiah torch would travel the world for the first time they pictured this moment – the torch being lifted on top of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
WHEN Maccabi World Union (MWU) decided the Maccabiah torch would travel the world for the first time they pictured this moment – the torch being lifted on top of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
“This is one of the most exciting things I have done in my sporting life,” Maccabi Australia’s head of delegation Tom York said after carrying the torch on the world-famous structure.
“It was an unbelievable experience.
“This is the first time they have ever done this and to take it to one of the most iconic landmarks in the world is amazing.”
As the countdown towards the games continues, with only 80 days until the opening ceremony in Jerusalem, the torch will make its way around Australia.
Last week Jewish students in Sydney had a chance to see the torch and next week it will make its way to Noosa, where Jewish athletes will participate in a torch relay on the beach.
The torch will then travel to Melbourne where it will be taken on a tram and hopefully to the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground before its final stop at the Carmel School in Perth.
Maccabi Australia president Barry Smorgon said the games preparations are on track.
“The iconic shots of the bridge will be quite spectacular and it’s pretty special in the lead-up to the Games,” he told The AJN.
“I’m extremely confident that our team is well organised so that the athletes will have the best games they could possibly have.”
MWU vice-president Tom Goldman said the Australian organising committee has embraced the torch relay.
“As the Sydney Harbour Bridge is probably the most well-known site in Australia, it’s appropriate to have it on top of the world down under.”
The 20th Maccabiah Games will be held in Israel from July 4-18.
JOSHUA LEVI
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