The Women of the Maccabiah: an impressive female presence throughout the Games

Maccabiah 2026 showcased an impressive female presence across every aspect of the Games - from athletes competing in a wide range of sports to women taking on senior leadership and operational roles with significant responsibility.

One of the inspiring women who embodied that spirit was Samantha Cohen, 42, who represented Great Britain in Masters 40+ Tennis and won a silver medal in singles.

Born and raised in London and living in the United States since 2011, Cohen is a proud Maccabi alum, currently serving as Senior Vice President and Director of JCC Maccabi at JCC Association of North America, overseeing the JCC Maccabi Games.

"My journey with tennis began at an early age, inspired by my parents, who played club tennis, Cohen shared. "I competed at a high junior level through high school before stepping away from competitive tennis, returning to the court occasionally for recreation – and to participate in Maccabi Games".

The 2026 Games marked Cohen’s sixth Maccabiah. She first competed in 2001 at the age of 17 and has since experienced Maccabi sport from almost every angle - as an athlete, coach, and delegation head. She has also been involved in eight Pan American and European Games and 30 JCC Maccabi Games as Games Director.

Despite having previously won medals at the European, Pan American, and JCC Maccabi Games, this year brought a special first: her first-ever Maccabiah medal.

"All of my Maccabiah experiences have been special, but this was more meaningful than ever", she said. "There was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Games and whether we would be able to attend. I decided that if the Games happened, I must be there. I wanted to be there".

"When we marched into the Opening Ceremony and experienced the joy and excitement, it was very impactful", Cohen added. "Although it was a much smaller GB delegation than usual, I was so proud to represent and to be part of this small but mighty GB squad. We felt like a family, and we all had a chance to spend quality time together and really get to know and support one another".

"For me, winning a medal was a great honor, but the experience is about so much more than sport", Cohen concluded. "I believe the Maccabiah Games are one of the greatest Jewish peoplehood projects of our time. And to be a part of it, making new friends, celebrating with old friends, and having the opportunity to represent my community and to stand proud as a Jew, in Israel, at this time, that is what I will remember the most".

And her message to the next generation of women and girls in sport is just as clear: "Sport is a great equalizer. Enjoy it, embrace all that it has to offer, be proud of your identity and represent with honor. It is a place where you can have an impact, and the sky is the limit - keep pushing for opportunities to lead".

Throughout the Games, representatives of the Maccabi Women's Forum Founding and Development Committee in Israel also proudly took the stage at medal ceremonies, reflecting women's growing presence and influence across the Maccabi movement.

At the Maccabi World Union Women’s Forum, we are already looking ahead to the 2029 Maccabiah. Our vision is clear: more teenagers and women competing as athletes, more women serving as coaches and referees - and more women leading, inspiring, and shaping every level of the Games.