David Lazarus of Fanwood coached the 2017 United States Maccabiah Chess Team in an international competition held in Israel from July 6 to 17.
Locally, Lazarus helps John Moldovan and Patrick Mazillo direct the Westfield Chess Quads on Sundays at the Westfield YMCA. He was recruited to coach by Michael Weinstein of Pine Brook during a tournament in Westfield on April 2.
Lazarus accepted the challenge with the support and insistance of his wife. He underwent extensive background and reference checks and then received a congratulatory welcome letter from Maccabiah National Leader Shane Carr. Many other coaches had been hired in early 2016, so Lazarus quickly made up for lost time in preparing for the competition, undergoing medical tests and information webinars.
On June 27, he and hundreds of others boarded planes to Isreal to take part in the Maccabiah competition. This competition is held every 4 years and attracts athletes from around the world.
The first three weeks included many activities. The first week entailed Israel Connect, six days of excursions to many of Israel’s most important and historic sights. On July 4, Lazarus and his junior team of four boys and two girls headed to Haifa, where the junior chess tournament was held. On July 6th, 1,135 US athletes and athletes from 80 other nations converged in Jerusalem for the opening ceremonies. “We had been told this would be the highlight of the games and we weren’t disappointed,” said Lazarus. “To have 50,000 people cheering you as you walk around the track is something I never thought I would experience in my lifetime. It was surreal and no matter how many times I watch the videos, I still have to pinch myself.”
U.S. players, Joseph Zeltsan of New York and Simona Nayberg of California earned the individual boys’ and girls’ gold medals.
“I was happy with our performance although I had little to do with it. My job was to make sure the kids had the best possible overall experience of appreciating their heritage and on that point I believe we succeeded,” said Lazarus.
(above) Coach David Lazarus of Fanwood with his junior team overlooking Jerusalem.
