It most certainly will be an exciting start to the summer for a contingent from Richmond heading to Israel this week to represent Canada at the 20th Maccabiah Games.

Maccabi Canada: How does it feel to be named as Canada's flag bearer? Albert Shoihet: I am surprised and honoured. I participated in the 2013 Maccabiah Games and I am well aware of the magnitude and pedigree of the Canadian delegation.

TORONTO, JUNE 25, 2017 – Albert Shoihet, one of Canada’s brightest young squash stars, has been selected as Canada’s flag bearer for the Opening Ceremonies of the 20th Maccabiah Games. Shoihet will lead a 600-person strong delegation into Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem on July 6 at 8 p.m (IST).

The Maccabiah Games always elicit feelings of warmth and excitement in the community. Individuals returning from Israel shared endless stories of competition, camaraderie in short, the realization of a life-long dream.

The mere mention of the 20th Maccabiah Games makes Anthony Housefather light up with excitement. From representing Canada as a competitor to the camaraderie with athletes from around the world, Anthony loves it all, which is why the quadrennial Games have been circled on his calendar since 2013.

If Maccabi Canada had a Hall of Fame, Josh Binstock would be one of its founding members. The Maccabiah Games résume for the Richmond Hill, Ontario, native is long, decorated and most of all, very impressive.

Moshe Klyman’s road to the 20th Maccabiah Games has spanned 18 years, two countries and one major obstacle after another. Since learning about the Jewish Olympic Games in high school, Moshe has longed for the chance to wrestle for his country and take home a gold medal in Israel.

There are over seven decades between Team Canada’s youngest and oldest athletes, but as 13-year-old Galia Oliel-Sabbag and 85-year-old Brahm Faber prepare for the 20th Maccabiah Games in Israel, they share the same enthusiasm.

With the Opening Ceremonies of the 20th Maccabiah Games only a few weeks away, more than 600 Canadians are ready to embark on an experience of a lifetime in Israel.

As Jews we have been passing the torch from generation to generation for thousands of years. The Maccabiah games are no different.