Maccabi in Belarus – from history to a new beginning

Before the Second World War, Maccabi played a vital role in Jewish communities across Eastern Europe. Part of the wider international Maccabi movement, these clubs offered young Jewish people opportunities to engage in sports while fostering community, pride, and identity at a time when Jewish life in Eastern Europe was vibrant and culturally rich. The first Maccabi clubs were founded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Europe. Their name comes from the Maccabees, the Jewish warriors of ancient times, symbolising strength, pride, and Jewish identity.

Maccabi, in what was Russia and then the Soviet Union in its early days, was deeply influenced by Zionist ideas. While primarily a sports organisation, it also served as a cultural and educational hub, encouraging Jewish youth to embrace their heritage, develop leadership skills, and strengthen communal ties. Many members were involved in Zionist youth movements, and Maccabi clubs often combined athletics with lessons in Jewish history, Hebrew language, and cultural events. In this way, the clubs acted as incubators of identity and resilience, helping young people feel strong and connected at a time of widespread antisemitism.

Tragically, the Holocaust and subsequent Soviet suppression of Jewish life led to the demise of Maccabi in Belarus, leaving a long gap in both the sporting and cultural life of Jewish communities.

Today, however, there is exciting news. Maccabi has been revived in Belarus under the guidance of the Jewish Religious Union of Belarus and it’s Chairman Artur Livshyts (also the co-founder of The Together Plan Charity) and we are delighted to announce that on January 22nd 2026, the Sport Institution Maccabi BY was officially registered. This revival marks a significant milestone for Jewish life in Belarus, reconnecting communities with a rich historical tradition while creating new opportunities for engagement across generations.

While sports will be at the heart of the new Maccabi BY, the organisation’s vision extends beyond traditional athletic activities. Its mandate now includes:

• Promoting and conducting Maccabi sports activities within Belarus
• Studying and researching the history of Maccabi, Judaism, and Jewish sports
• Building international partnerships and collaborations, linking Belarusian Jewish communities with the wider global Maccabi movement

This revitalisation is more than just a sporting initiative—it represents a renewal of community, identity, and connection. It opens doors for people of all ages to engage, learn, and celebrate Jewish culture and history in Belarus through sport, education, and shared experiences.

For The Together Plan, supporting initiatives like Maccabi BY aligns perfectly with our mission to revive, preserve, and celebrate Jewish heritage in Belarus, and we look forward to witnessing the many opportunities this renewed institution will create for communities across the country.

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