The 2025 Maccabiah Games, originally scheduled for this July in Israel, have officially been postponed until the summer of 2026 due to the ongoing war between Israel and Iran. It’s the first time in 75 years that the so-called “Jewish Olympics” have missed a scheduled edition.

Among those preparing to compete was St. Louis squash player Steve Brown, a returning Maccabiah athlete who competed in the Masters division in 2022. Brown, 58, had been training hard and looking forward to again representing both his country and his city in Israel.

“I got the e-mail this morning. It was upsetting because I was really looking forward to it,” said Brown, who had been slated to compete in both individual and team squash events. “Over the last few days, I became more and more convinced the games would be postponed. Teddy Stadium holds 35,000 people, plus close to 10,000 athletes. That would be a huge target for anyone who wants to hurt people. It’s just too risky.”

Still, for Brown, the postponement hasn’t changed his commitment.

“From the moment I walked up the ramp into the stadium for the last games, I came to the conclusion that I was going to come to this event every time until they put me in the ground,” he said with a laugh. “If I have the energy and the means to get there, I’m going. If what is required of me is to go to Israel, sit on a beach in Tel Aviv and drink a couple beers at night and then go play squash during the day, then my people can count on me.”

Brown’s relationship with the Maccabiah movement extends well beyond the court. He stays active on organizational calls, donates regularly and maintains close ties with fellow athletes and coaches in Israel.

“I’m always connected to Maccabiah,” he said. “That will never change.”

He plans to ease up on training for now, but only temporarily.

“I lost a match last time that still bothers me,” Brown said. “I’ll be looking for that guy again in 2026.”