U.S. Maccabi team members medal at Big Apple Invitational

Aliza Abramson from Cedarhurst took third place in forms and sparring in her division; Woodmere resident Akiva Fink finished third in forms in his division and Rebecca Obstfeld of Oceanside placed third in forms in her division at the 2017 Big Apple Invitational in Hempstead on Feb. 12.

All three study karate at Warren Levi Martial Arts in Cedarhurst and are three of the dojo’s eight members who were named to the Maccabi USA Karate Team.

The Big Apple competition is an international karate tournament held annually and is a regional qualifier for the National Karate Championships. Several hundred competitors competed in divisions ranging from 3 years to 35 years-plus and experience from a beginner white belt to higher degree black belts.

The Maccabi games are taking place in Israel this July. Maccabi USA builds Jewish pride through sports, generating the emotional intensity, high ideals, and powerful camaraderie of competition. 

It connects athletes, volunteers, and supporters with the global Jewish community. The athletic, educational, and cultural experiences build Jewish identity, perpetuate Jewish continuity worldwide, and strengthen support for the State of Israel.