Free Republic

Israel to be largest Jewish community For the first time in 2000 years, Israel will next year become the largest Jewish community in the world, figures released by a Jewish Agency think tank revealed Sunday. However, the report issued by The Jewish People Policy Planning Institute predicted that even in 15 years time, the majority of world Jewry will not be living in Israel (at present, about 40% of world Jewry live in Israel while by 2020, 46% will choose Israel as their home). Today, there are about 13 million Jews worldwide, while in 2020 the figure will increase to...

17th Maccabiah opens Gala opening ceremony for the 17th Maccabiah, the world's largest Jewish sporting event begins at Israel's National Stadium near Tel Aviv RAMAT GAN - The opening ceremony for the 17th Maccabiah Games, the world's biggest Jewish sporting event, has opened in Ramat Gan with the biggest show in the event's 70-year history. Israeli artist Roni Superstar officially opened the ceremony at 8:00 p.m. (1:00 EDT) and was accompanied by a group of hundreds dancers dressed in red and yellow costumes. More than 7,100 athletes from 55 countries, led by the Australian delegation, participated in the ceremony, marching...