JDC Press Release
August 2, 2005
 The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
From Steven Schwager, Executive Vice President


212.885.0818 • claire.schultz@jdcny.org

**For Immediate Release**

GAL FRIDMAN TO LIGHT JCC MACCABI TORCH IN ST.PAUL

First Israeli Olympic gold medalist will deliver message of perseverance to more than 1,200 Jewish teens






New York; August 2, 2005----The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, St. Paul Jewish Community Center and JCC Association today announced that 2004 Olympic gold medal winning windsurfer Gal Fridman will light the torch to begin this year's JCC Maccabi Games in St. Paul, Minn. The Games, an annual Olympic-style sporting competition for Jewish teens, will run from Sunday, August 7 through Friday, August 12.

Fridman is the first-ever Israeli to win an Olympic gold. After the Olympics, Gal contacted JDC to explore ways in which he could use his "national hero" status to help Jews who were less fortunate. Working with JDC, Fridman has developed a personal mentoring program through which he combines his mountain bike-based training regimen with windsurfing instruction to help a group of youth at risk in Israel realize the value of determination and goal-setting.

For 91 years, JDC has been helping to ensure Jewish survival in communities worldwide. It is sending Fridman to the games as a symbol of global Jewish tenacity and endurance.

"The support of the Jewish people helped inspire me," Fridman said. "Now I want to give back by teaching Jewish children that believing in yourself and perseverance leads to success. Jews have overcome many challenges throughout history by believing in who we are and not letting obstacles break us.

"I am excited about playing a part in these games because I want to share my message not just with kids in Israel, but Jewish kids throughout the world."

The JCC Maccabi Games is the largest organized sports program for Jewish teenagers in the world. Today, more than 6,000 teens, ranging from 13 to 16 years of age, participate in the JCC Maccabi Games each summer. The Games are co-sponsored by the Jewish Community Center Association of North America, Maccabi World Union, Maccabi Canada, and Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel.

"Gal Fridman embodies everything this event represents," said Lenny Silberman, Continental Director of the JCC Maccabi Games. "This is not about who wins, but the work these kids have put into their sports which comes from an ethic of determination---pride in themselves and their communities."







The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) serves as the overseas arm of the organized North American Jewish community providing relief for Jews in need, promoting Jewish renewal, rebuilding Jewish communities, and helping Israel address its most urgent social challenges. The JDC receives its funds primarily from American Jewry through the Jewish Federations of the United States and the United Jewish Communities. JDC also receives funding from World Jewish Relief of Great Britain and UIA Federations Canada.