PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (Press Release) – Maccabi World Union (MWU), the governing body of the worldwide Maccabi Movement, has appointed Philadelphia native Robert Spivak as its Honorary President. In this position, Spivak will be the senior public Ambassador and Statesman for internal affairs for the Movement.
This position is mandated by the MWU Constitution and can only be filled by a member who has rendered outstanding service to the global Maccabi Movement over many decades. One of the responsibilities that Spivak will assume is to deliver the opening address to Delegates at the first session of the MWU Congresses or Plenum meetings, highlighting issues of pressing concern to the Jewish People. Besides representing MWU in accordance with its mission statement, there are no limits to Spivak’s involvement.
“Bob Spivak is the exemplary model of a leader who devoted decades and contributed vastly to Maccabi World Union in many roles as a key leader and true friend,” said Yair Hamburger, Chairman, MWU. “His enormous experience, vision and counsel will guide and mentor the leadership of our Movement to greater achievements.”
Spivak was the unanimous choice to succeed Dr. Yisrael Peled and the illustrious predecessors in this position. His 40+ year involvement with the Movement makes him uniquely qualified for the job. Spivak is a towering figure in the modern Maccabi Movement, his vision transformed the United States Committee Sports for Israel organization into the modern Maccabi USA, which organizes Team USA Delegations for the World Maccabiah Games in Israel as well as for regional Maccabi Games in Latin America and Europe. He has a decisive personality, good-natured and is always armed with a ready smile. Spivak has been an active member in the highest MWU global leadership councils, a friend and universally-respected mentor to generations of Maccabi leaders.
“I am very honored and excited about this position and really want to develop it into one where I can work with the regional Maccabi Councils throughout the Diaspora to strengthen the relationship between them and Maccabi World Union,” Spivak said. “There are areas we can develop with educational and cultural programming for kids in Israel, along with improved financial support for MWU.”||*
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Preceding provided by Maccabi World Union