מסע הלפיד של המכביה 2026 יתחיל ב-28 ביוני וימשיך למשך שלושה ימים ברחבי ישראל, ויעבור דרך יותר מ-30 רשויות מקומיות. unlike previous years, this year’s relay emphasizes local communities as central figures in the national narrative, with a motorcycle convoy echoing the historic 1930s missions that spread news of the Maccabiah across Europe. The relay begins in central Israel and continues to the south, including cities like Ra’anana, Kfar Saba, Petah Tikva, and Sderot.

Each municipality will host a ceremony where the head of the local council receives a commemorative medal and an invitation to the opening ceremony at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem on July 1. The torch will be carried alongside local representatives as a symbol of resilience and revival. Among the torchbearers are Liat Friedman, mother of fallen soldier and basketball standout Amit Friedman; Ohad Mondar, a hostage released after 49 days in Gaza; and Shmulik Daniel, a Paralympic rower.

The relay holds special significance in Sderot, where Mayor Alon Davidi emphasized the city’s role in honoring victims of the October 7 attacks. There, the torch will be carried by Adiya and Itamar Prianta, children of Yakov (Kobi) Prianta, a local running enthusiast and founder of a community running group who was murdered during a morning jog. His widow, Siyon, noted that sport was central to his life and that remembering him and others keeps their spirit alive.