2025 JCC Maccabi Campus Games highlight the power of partnership
| As it appears in the Pittsburgh Business Times Guest Viewpoint By Jason Kunzman, JCC President and CEO, and Kevin Washo, Senior Vice Chancellor, External Relations, University of Pittsburgh Next month, 2,000 Jewish teen athletes representing 51 delegations from around the world will parade onto the floor of the Petersen Events Center at the University of Pittsburgh for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2025 JCC Maccabi® Campus Games. Greeted by thousands of cheering spectators, family members, and volunteers, they’ll take part in a celebration of sport, culture, and civic pride. Since 1982, the JCC Maccabi Games—an Olympic-style event for Jewish teens—have offered far more than just competition. Over five days, athletes will participate in a variety of individual and team sports while engaging in service and social events that build identity, resilience, and leadership. These Games foster teamwork, friendship and personal growth—values shared by all. For the Pittsburgh business community, the Games present a real-time case study in how cross-sector collaborations can have both economic and social impact. Through a strategic partnership between the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh (JCC), the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), and JCC Association of North America, the event positions Pittsburgh as a leader in innovation, inclusivity and community engagement. According to our event impact summary, the Games will result in: $10 million in total business sales 1,665 total jobs supported 10,080 hotel room nights reserved While smaller in scale than the 2025 U.S. Open or 2026 NFL Draft, the JCC Maccabi Games demonstrate that mission-driven partnerships—especially those anchored in education and community—can generate significant and lasting economic benefits. This partnership didn’t happen by chance; rather, it represents a strategic, carefully planned meaningful collaboration. The JCC approached Pitt with a bold idea: to reimagine the Games by hosting them on a university campus. Pitt responded immediately—with enthusiasm, purpose and a spirit of deep collaboration. What followed was a thoughtfully crafted alliance, rooted in mutual respect and a shared mission: to support and steward the next generation of responsible citizens. Together, our institutions are challenging youth to grow intellectually, physically, socially and ethically. Pitt’s commitment to academic excellence and civic responsibility makes it an ideal setting for this evolution of the Games—and a model for how institutions can come together for long-term impact .  This collaboration also speaks volumes about institutional leadership at a time when it’s needed most. As society grapples with political polarization, rising antisemitism, and debates around inclusion, Pitt has shown unwavering support for the Jewish community in Pittsburgh and beyond. Rather than shy away, the university embraced this opportunity to create a safe, joyful, and meaningful space for Jewish teens from across the globe. This is the kind of civic leadership our region can be proud of. It’s also a powerful reminder of what can happen when trusted institutions unite around shared purpose. At the center of it all is sport—a universal connector that transcends differences and fosters unity. Athletics help young people build confidence, tell their stories, and find their voices. They learn to uplift each other, to lead, to listen, and to grow. These Games will do more than celebrate winners—they will build community, spark pride, and bring joy. For Pittsburgh’s business community, this is more than a feel-good moment. It’s a demonstration of how cross-sector collaboration can drive innovation, build brand equity, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and contribute to long-term social and financial returns.As the athletes take the field next month, they’ll represent more than their teams. They’ll represent the potential of thoughtful civic investment—and the promise of a future shaped by purpose, partnership, and pride. |
| Wishing you and your families a Shabbat shalom, Jason |
