Our Mission
The world changed on October 7th, and so did we. We reimagined who we were. The International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (IJSHOF) honors Jewish athletes and sports figures worldwide for their extraordinary achievements, preserving their legacy to educate and inspire current and future generations.
By telling their stories, we celebrate their impact and instill Jewish pride, reinforcing the strength, resilience, and contributions of Jewish athletes in the global sports arena.
The Legacy of the IJSHOF
Since its founding in 1981 by Joe Siegman in collaboration with Alan Sherman, the IJSHOF has grown into a beacon of Jewish sports excellence. With over 500 honorees, the Hall of Fame stands as a testament to Jewish perseverance, triumph, and influence in the world of sports.
But today, as antisemitism and historical amnesia rise, the need for greater visibility, education, and outreach has never been more urgent.
Why Now? Why Us?
Jewish athletes have historically faced adversity—from exclusion and antisemitic discrimination to outright persecution. While the 20th century was rife with barriers, today’s Jewish athletes still encounter challenges, hate, and stereotypes that must be addressed especially with Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
We are the caretakers of these extraordinary stories of the world’s most accomplished Jewish athletes. We must document, preserve and celebrate these remarkable achievements.
Agnes Keleti, born Agnes Klein in 1921 in Budapest, exemplifies the resilience and triumph we celebrate. She passed in January 2025, at the age of 103, as the oldest living Olympic medalist.
President Isaac Herzog honored her legacy, calling her a “ground-breaking woman” who inspired generations of athletes.
Keleti’s story is one of thousands, and it is our responsibility to ensure that these legacies are never forgotten.
To be a stronger and more impactful IJSHOF, we are launching the following initiatives:
Rebranding Hall of Fame Content
To make it relevant and engaging for the global Jewish community, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, we are rebranding our organization.
Our mission extends beyond celebrating athletic achievements; it aims at combating antisemitism in ways that resonate deeply with today’s youth.
By highlighting the successes of our honorees on and off the fields, courts or board rooms, these stories serve as powerful messages that will inspire pride in our rich Jewish heritage.
Strengthening Education & Engagement
Fighting antisemitism through the power of sports and storytelling—while engaging the broader community to foster understanding, respect, and historical awareness.
Creating programming that introduces Gen Z and young Jewish leaders to these role models, fostering pride in their Jewish identity.
Collaborating with Global Jewish Organizations
Strengthening local, regional and national Jewish sports halls of fame.
Partnering with additional organizations that are fighting antisemtism and Jew-hatred.
Establishing a sustainable funding model of partnerships to ensure IJSHOF’s long-term impact.
A State-of-the-Art Virtual Museum
Launching a virtual museum, making Jewish sports history accessible to anyone, anywhere 24/7/365.
Providing an invaluable resource for historians, educators, researchers, and Jewish communal institutions.
The teachings of Hillel in the Ethics of the Fathers guide us. It is not enough to hold an induction ceremony every four years. The time for action is now.
We need your support, guidance, and involvement to bring this vision to life.
By elevating the stories of Jewish athletes, we combat antisemitism, educate communities, and instill pride in Jewish identity. Together, we can ensure that the legacies of Jewish sports heroes remain an inspiration for generations to come.
Be a part of this movement. Help us honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.
For more information on how to get involved, please contact:
PRESIDENT
Jed@JewishSportsHOF.org
VICE PRESIDENT
Lenny@JewishSportsHOF.org
Subscribe to be part of our journey as we celebrate the achievements of Jewish athletes worldwide and preserve their legacy for generations to come.
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