Calling all Jewish aspiring sports media professionals to cover the 2025 Maccabiah

Applications now being accepted for this unique international career-development program

By Neal Slotkin

While Maccabi USA athletes compete for gold and personal achievement in Israel during the summer of 2025, a unique team within the U.S. delegation also expects to shine – although this group will be the one providing the spotlight.

The Maccabi Media Program (MMP) plans to bring 18 highly-skilled Jewish media students to the 2025 Maccabiah to perform various broadcasting, journalism and communication roles; it plans to play a pivotal role in enhancing coverage of the games for family, friends and fans back home. This will be the fourth edition of the Maccabi Media Program after previous cohorts were assembled for Israel, Argentina and London.

As part of an intense career-development program, Maccabi Media students will gain unparalleled international experience and sharpen their skills in playby-play, color analysis, sideline reporting, videography, live streaming production, video editing, interviewing, sports reporting and social media. Under the leadership of former Philadelphia 76ers broadcaster and MMP Chairman Marc Zumoff as well as Digital Media Director Neal Slotkin, the team will receive hands-on guidance and instruction from veteran media professionals and volunteer mentors who will accompany the group to Israel. Simon Rosenwasser, president of Play by Play Productions, will again the streaming and technical operations on location.

In addition to documenting the accomplishments of Maccabi USA teams and generating in-depth profiles of athletes, coaches and staff, both before and during its three-week journey, the media team will also cover and personally participate in a week-long cultural program. The program is called Israel Connect and is crucial to absorbing the entire Maccabiah experience.

The Maccabi Media team is seeking current college students and recent graduates ages 18-25 who plan to pursue a career in a related field and can demonstrate strong media skills. The recruitment phase runs through Oct. 1, 2024; the final team will be announced after a comprehensive evaluation process later this year. Then, virtual monthly training sessions featuring notable guest speakers will begin in early 2025 to prepare the students for both their Israel responsibilities and future careers in this challenging industry. Interested students can apply or learn more about MMP at www.maccabiusa.com/maccabi-media or contact me at nslotkin@maccabiusa.com.