NEWS PROVIDED BY
jewishpgh.org
November 6, 2025
JCC Maccabi Campus Games –– From August 3–8, 2025, Pittsburgh hosted the inaugural JCC Maccabi Campus Games, welcoming nearly 2,000 Jewish teens from 90 communities worldwide. The week-long event combined athletic competition with cultural connection, fostering friendships and a sense of belonging that extended far beyond the playing field. Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, the Games were truly more than a game, they were a celebration of identity, community, and teamwork.
Ensuring the safety of such a large, multi-venue event was a top priority. The Federation launched a $3 million security initiative, coordinated through a central “Security Central” command center. Operations spanned seven venues, including the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon, Schenley Park Oval, and PNC Park.
Packetalk’s contribution was vital to the overall security strategy, giving organizers confidence that safety measures were both thorough and effective.
A key component of this effort was Packetalk’s technology. Seven camera trailers equipped with license plate recognition were deployed to monitor vehicle access and traffic across all venues. This real-time monitoring allowed security teams to respond quickly to potential concerns, helping ensure a safe and smooth experience for athletes, families, and volunteers alike. Packetalk’s contribution was vital to the overall security strategy, giving organizers confidence that safety measures were both thorough and effective.
The broader security network also included five private security firms and more than 20 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Additional safety measures included drone detection from Air Sentinel, explosive sweeps, plainclothes officers, Temporary Flight Restrictions during the closing ceremonies, and 110 secure radios for seamless communication. Together, these layers of protection ensured that every aspect of the Games could proceed safely and without disruption.
Two months after the Games, over 300 athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families returned to Pittsburgh for a reunion. The event featured highlight reels, shared stories, and a public acknowledgment of the security teams, including Packetalk, whose technology played a crucial role in maintaining a safe environment. The reunion reinforced that the Maccabi Games were about more than sports, they were about connection, pride, and the bonds created through a shared experience.
The inaugural JCC Maccabi Campus Games demonstrated the power of collaboration, innovation, and planning. By combining expert security teams with advanced technology from vendors like Packetalk, the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh created a safe, seamless, and meaningful experience for youth from around the globe.
Read the full story: More Than a Game on the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh website. jewishpgh.orgMedia Contact
Sean Bergert
(201) 355-3323
seanb@packetalk.net
About the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh
Cultivate resources, connect people and collaborate across the community to live and fulfill Jewish values.