HaMakabi

HaMakabi is a Hebrew term meaning "the Maccabee." In contemporary usage, it is commonly attached to sports and cultural organizations connected to the Maccabi movement, an international network that promotes sport, youth development, and Jewish identity through clubs and federations.

The name derives from the ancient Jewish group known as the Maccabees, who led a rebellion in the 2nd century BCE and rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem. The term has since become a symbol of resilience, athletic spirit, and communal pride within Jewish communities, and it has been adopted widely in modern times.

HaMakabi does not denote a single entity. Rather, it functions as an umbrella label used by hundreds of clubs and associations around the world that operate under national Maccabi federations and the broader Maccabi World Union. In Israel, Maccabi-affiliated clubs participate across many sports, including football and basketball, and they often bear the name Maccabi. Internationally, the Maccabi World Union coordinates activities and competitions, most notably the Maccabiah Games in Israel, popularly described as the Jewish Olympics. The use of HaMakabi reflects historical ties to Jewish communal life and emphasizes sport as a platform for cultural education and unity.