Weitzman Challenges Maccabi USA | Herald Community Newspapers

Footwear designer, philanthropist and Hewlett native Stuart Weitzman carried the American flag as he led the U.S. delegation to Teddy Stadium for the 21st World Maccabiah Games in Israel, 12-26. July.

Thousands of Jewish athletes from around the world competed in the sports competition. The US delegation of 1,300 was twice the size of the last American Olympic team, and these Maccabiah Games were the second largest sporting event of all time.

Weitzman also introduced a charity challenge that will help thousands of athletes for years to come. He challenged Maccabi USA to provide scholarships for athletes with financial need to participate in the Maccabiah Games by raising $3 million. Weitzman then donates $5 million.

To date, Maccabi USA has raised $1.3 million, opening the first $2 million gift from Weitzman. To benefit from the full match, the organization needs to raise an additional $1.7 million by the end of the year. If successful, Weitzman will pay an additional $3 million, bringing the total Stuart Weitzman Scholarship Fund to $8 million.

“I don’t think cost should be a barrier to participation,” Weitzman said. “I can think of no better way to create camaraderie and appreciate Jewish heritage and culture than to support an organization like Maccabi USA. I am making this gift to ensure that every athlete who needs money can participate in this life-changing experience.

Weitzman’s contribution is the largest gift in Maccabi USA history. “This is the most significant gift in the history of our organization,” Maccabi USA President Jeff Bukantz said. “After every Maccabia, we start from scratch and need to raise $1 million to support the athletes. This generous donation ensures that qualified Jewish athletes who need financial assistance can join the team.”

Weitzman has supported the US Olympic teams and served on the foundation’s board for years. Now he helps Jewish athletes in particular.

“When I walked into the stadium with almost 1,200 athletes and coaches and looked at them, everyone was lined up waving the American flag,” he said. “It’s a moment I’ll never forget. It was an exciting moment to be in the lead in front of 30,000 people.

Weitzman is a three-time Maccabi USA table tennis alum and was participating in the Games for the third time in a row after initially participating to show her prowess in table tennis. This year, Weitzman captured the USA table tennis bronze medal and talked about his experiences traveling to the Games.

“It was inspiring for me and hopefully for anyone else who wants to lend their support,” he said. “I saw so many Jewish children from so many different countries, some of whom could not even speak to each other because of the languages, but there was a friendship and camaraderie that you had to be there to see. Argentinian athletes exchange uniforms with American swimmers and form relationships that are easy to continue in today’s world with the Internet. I do not know what other influence could ever bring such friendship and fellowship from Jews from so many different countries. I think that is the most special thing about Maccabi games.

Those wishing to donate to the Weitzman Fund may visit https://maccabiusa.com/weitzmanfund/