The opening ceremony of the Maccabiah Games takes place in Jerusalem, with thousands of athletes attending at Teddy Stadium. Reports say about 5,000 athletes from around 35 countries participate in the ceremony. During the event, Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu address the crowd. Both officials welcome Jewish athletes coming from abroad and use the theme of a “welcome home.” The Maccabiah Games, often described as the “Jewish Olympics,” begin on Wednesday evening and mark the start of the multi-sport competition.