abstract:The Maccabiah () is an international Jewish athletic event, held in Israel every four years under the auspices of the Maccabi Federation, affiliated with the Maccabi World Union. The Maccabiah is often referred to as the "Jewish Olympics.
In addition, two Palestinian men, ages 19 and 21, from the Bethlehem area were found dead at the scene of an explosion near the site where the MaccabiahGames are expected to start on Monday, said Israeli police.
Israeli police do not believe the blast was a suicide attack, but instead think the bomb, described as medium-sized, exploded prematurely and may have been intended, because of the proximity, for "Teddy" stadium, site of the MaccabiahGames, an Olympic-style event in which contingents of Jewish athletes from countries throughout the world compete in sporting events.