Help Lyla Represent Our Community at the 2025 Maccabiah

Hi, I’m Lyla, a soccer player from Evanston and proud representative of both the USA and my home city of Chicago. I’ve been selected to compete at the 2025 Maccabiah in Israel—often called the Jewish Olympics—where over 10,000 Jewish athletes from 80+ countries gather in celebration of heritage, excellence, and unity through sport.

On behalf of the Chicago Jewish community, I am excited to show our solidarity and connection to Israel and remind the world that Jewish people are resilient and strong, especially since October 7 and everything that has followed.

I have worked toward this goal since I was 7 years old and am so grateful for this opportunity.  Getting there is an incredible honor, and it’s also a big financial commitment - travel, training, gear, etc... That’s why I’m asking for your support—not just as a donation, but as a part of my journey.

Every donor becomes part of my team—and I want to honor that. For those who give, I’m offering:

1. I’ll personally take your handwritten (or emailed) prayer or wish and place it in the Western Wall in Jerusalem—something people travel across the world to do. You’ll receive a photo of it being placed.

2. A keepsake from the 2025 Maccabiah with a special message from me.

3. Photo & video updates from 2025 Maccabiah to an email of your choice.

Whether you’re able to contribute $18, $180, or simply help spread the word, I’m deeply grateful for your belief in me and young athletes like me and your investment in this meaningful experience.

Thank you,

Lyla Katz

Maccabi USA

U16 Girls' Soccer

Bonus:

Last summer, Maccabi USA held soccer tryouts at various cities across the country.  I attended a tryout in Philadelphia and appeared (very briefly) in the Maccabi USA Instagram reel about the event. You can see the reel here:  

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9lK66mv163/?igsh=bTdxYTBwemlzcWZv