Team Photo in Jerusalem

As promised, here is the team photo in front of the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Thanks Joel!

15th Maccabiah Bridge Memorial

Yesterday morning, we checked out of the Australian team hotel, and made our way to the site of the 15th Maccabiah Bridge Tragedy.

We travelled with Josh Small as part of our team, and met up with his Mum, Suzanne and his sister, Rebecca. Their husband and father, Greg Small, was one of my team-mates in 1997 and his life was cut short by the terrible bridge collapse.

A moving service was held to remember the four team-mates who lost their lives in 1997 - Greg Small, Yetty Bennett, Elizabeth Sawicki & Warren Zines.

Josh made a wonderful speech, remembering Greg and vowing to continue his dream of competing at this year's Maccabiah Games.

Australian Team Party

On Thursday night, a huge Australian team party was held around the pool at our team hotel.

A typical Aussie barbecue was served, with plenty of beer and a great band and DJ.

Trip to Jerusalem

Thursday afternoon, the entire Australian delegation travelled to Jerusalem. We started with a visit to the Western Wall in the Old City

This was followed by a moving tour of the Holocaust museum, Yad Vashem.

We took a bowling team photo at the Western Wall, and I will post the photo once I receive it.

Our First Training Session

This morning, we made our way to the National Bowling Centre in Netanya, for the first of our unofficial training sessions.

With all members of the team, aside from Phil Sachs, now in Israel, it was a great opportunity to get accustomed with a new centre and new lane conditions. Whilst we were still a little tired and jet-lagged, it was great to loosen up and blow off the cobwebs.

Josh Small and I on the bus to Netanya

We Have Arrived in Israel

After flights from Melbourne to Sydney to Bangkok to Tel Aviv, we finally arrived. The total time taken was 25 hours which included stopovers.

We were met at the airport by Australian team management, and then transferred by bus to our hotel by the beach in Tel Aviv. After a couple of hours wait for our room to be ready, we moved in thankful for a refreshing shower.

A few hours sitting in the sun by the pool was followed by a team meeting and a sumptuous dinner. An early night beckoned for most after a long trip!

Maccabiah Tenpin Bowling - from a Team USA perspective

Following on from his enormously successful blog at the 17th Maccabiah in 2005, Matthew Halpern will be detailing his experiences at this year's Maccabiah.

Visit http://maccabiah18.blogspot.com for a Team USA perspective.