There will be finals played across the country, including in Jerusalem, Ra’anana, Wingate Institute, Kibbutz Gezer, Ramat Gan and Tiberius.
By ALLON SINAIIsrael’s handball team (in white) defeated Brazil 33-25 in the Maccabiah final on Friday. (photo credit: AMIT SCHUSSEL)
The final medals of this year’s Maccabiah will be handed out on Sunday before the 20th edition of the Games comes to an end with the closing ceremony in Latron on Tuesday.There will be finals played across the country, including in Jerusalem, Ra’anana, Wingate Institute, Kibbutz Gezer, Ramat Gan and Tiberius.In the men’s basketball title game at Malha Arena in Jerusalem, the USA faces France for the gold medal. The senior US team claimed a 92-69 win over Israel, which is represented by an under-18 squad, in the semis on Friday.Israel faces Argentina for the bronze medal earlier Sunday, with France beating the Argentinians 78-59 on Friday.The women’s final will see Israel come up against the USA. Israel crushed Australia 94-26 in the semis, while the US defeated Russia 77-63.Israel also plays the USA In the women’s water polo final in Wingate on Sunday. The men’s final will see Israel, which beat Germany 17-4 in the semis, face Hungary.Other titles to be decided on Sunday include: netball, futsal softball, rugby and tennis and squash.Friday’s triathlon, which was shortened due to the stifling heat, was won by 19-year-old Omri Behat in a time of 47:51 minutes. Yuval Gome claimed the women’s gold in 55:55m Elsewhere Friday, Israel took gold in the women’s volleyball, beating Ukraine 3-0 in the final. Brazil claimed the men’s gold, defeating Israel 3-1.In the men’s handball, Israel, which was represented by the under-21 national side, beat Brazil 33-25 to win the gold.One event took place on Saturday night, with the USA facing Canada in the ice hockey final at the Pais Arena in Jerusalem. Russia won the bronze medal on Friday, beating Israel 7-4 in front of 1,500 fans.
Over 7,000 competitors from 80 countries took part in 43 different sporting events in the latest installment of the so-called Jewish Olympics, with over 2,100 medals up for grabs.The closing ceremony will be hosted by Israeli model Bar Refaeli, with Minister of Culture and Sport Miri Regev to mark the end of the Games by passing along the Maccabiah torch to a selection of athletes.For more information and results, please visit www.maccabiah.com
