AJ Edelman is the pilot of Israel’s first mixed Jewish and Arab bobsled team. He finished 3rd overall in the 2023/2024 North America Cup and has earned 14 international medals. Edelman also achieved the Olympic qualifying standard in 2022 and continues to work towards qualifying Israel for the 2026 Games.

“I believe that everyone has a few reasons for being put here [on Earth] and my tavkid [duty] for now is helping Israel as much as I can through sport.”

Jared Firestone is an 8-time podium finisher on the North America Cup circuit and the first Israeli athlete to win a gold medal in sliding sports, earning the nickname “Jewish Jet” from fellow racers. He achieved the Olympic qualifying standard in 2022 and became Israel’s first-ever finalist at the 2025 World Championships. Firestone continues to compete as a contender for a spot at the Olympic Games in 2026.

“One of my favorite aspects of competing in Skeleton is the opportunity it provides to travel to and compete in countries that have been historically hostile to Jewish people, and act as an ambassador of Israel while doing so”.

Nationally ranked Olympic reserve archer. Columbia University’s D1 Varsity Archery Team. 2x New York State U18 Recurve Indoor Champion (2021 & 2022).

“I openly and regularly share my Jewish culture and pro-Israel stance with my competitors and teammates”.

Emily was a recipient of an AJA 2023 General Fund Grant, awarded to a select group of athletes who exhibited excellence on the field and off the field as ambassadors of Israel or the Jewish people.

Current Israeli Shot Put Champion and National Team athlete. Also a bobsled brakeman on Israel’s National Team.

“It is first and foremost to represent Israel. To represent the country. I am the one who is in the competition and shows the other athletes. Shows the audience how Israelis behave. Politely, respectfully, and helping others.”

Menachem was a recipient of an AJA 2023 General Fund Grant, awarded to a select group of athletes who exhibited excellence on the field and off the field as ambassadors of Israel or the Jewish people.

11-year-old female British Boulder and Climbing athlete. Scottish Regional Team. Runner-up in 2023 Scottish Youth Climbing Championships (Youth C Female).

“Through sharing the fact that not only am I a 5 foot girl of slight build competing in what is often seems as a man's sport which many think is based purely on strength, but also a Jewish girl succeeding in sport, is something I hope to inspire the next generation of Jewish Athletes, promoting sporting diversity among young people.”

Rebecca was a recipient of an AJA 2023 General Fund Grant, awarded to a select group of athletes who exhibited excellence on the field and off the field as ambassadors of Israel or the Jewish people.

High school junior. Represented Florida in Regional ODP (Olympic Development Program) for 2 years. First team all conference for high school soccer 2 years in a row. 5x Tampa Bay player of the week.

“I founded an antisemitism awareness club at my high school and recruited over 50 athletes to join. I educat them on Jewish history and the struggles the Jewish people have faced. I speak regularly to students, teachers, and other people about how to help Jewish people through the rise of antisemitic attacks.”

Danielle was a recipient of an AJA 2023 General Fund Grant, awarded to a select group of athletes who exhibited excellence on the field and off the field as ambassadors of Israel or the Jewish people.

4x Maryland State Champion . Won the Under Armour National Championship in 2020. Member of the USA Junior Maccabi golf team that won gold in Israel in 2022. Collegiate golfer at Dickinson College.

“I make my Jewish identity known whenever I am out in the community, especially during my volunteer work with youth golfers.”

Colin was a recipient of an AJA 2023 General Fund Grant, awarded to a select group of athletes who exhibited excellence on the field and off the field as ambassadors of Israel or the Jewish people.

U-15 soccer player - Rise MLNEXT soccer team in Houston

“I am one of a very small Jewish population in my school area, and I always try to put my Judaism in a high place.”

Jonathan was a recipient of an AJA 2023 General Fund Grant, awarded to a select group of athletes who exhibited excellence on the field and off the field as ambassadors of Israel or the Jewish people.