Following last year’s success, which saw dozens of international athletes arrive despite challenging circumstances, the prestigious competition is returning to the capital.
This morning, a press conference was held with the participation of Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, Chairman of the Israel Athletics Association Ami Baran, and Eldan Transportation’s Marketing and Advertising Manager, Ze’ev Barzilai.
Mayor Moshe Lion: “Even around the world, people love us – everyone feels that this is their capital.”
Blessing Afrifah: “I’m coming in with confidence, and I proved it at the Israeli Championships.”
Photo credit: Roy Kfir
This is the second consecutive year that the Grand Slam international athletics competition is being held in Jerusalem. Last year, when most international competitions in Israel were canceled due to the security situation, the Grand Slam made its “debut” in the country. It became the first competition to take place since the war began, bringing together around 80 athletes from 22 countries, competing for valuable points in the European and world rankings.
Despite the challenges, once again this year, dozens of athletes from around the globe will come to Israel to compete in the Grand Slam Jerusalem 2025 – a prestigious international event of Silver status in the World Athletics Continental Tour – marking the start of a wonderful tradition through a partnership between the Israel Athletics Association and the Jerusalem Municipality.
The competition will take place this Thursday at the Givat Ram Stadium from 16:00 to 21:00, and will be a sporting celebration for the whole family, including a fan zone for all ages.
Organizing an international competition at the highest level is no simple task – especially in a country like ours and particularly in such a period. Yet thanks to the cooperation, dedication, and investment of all partners, we are proud to see the event take place again this year. The Grand Slam Jerusalem is not just a competition – it’s a statement about Israel’s place on the international stage, a celebration of sport and community, and proof that with true partnership, any challenge can be overcome.
Athletes from Europe and beyond will participate this week – around 60 athletes representing 29 countries. The first athlete arrived today. Among the competitors in various events, stadium-goers and viewers at home will be able to watch Israel’s fastest man, Blessing Afrifah, the impressive high jumper Yonatan Kapitolnik, Israel’s steeplechase record-holder Adva Cohen, long jumper Yishai Ifraimov, and many more.
Today (Monday), the official press conference of the competition took place:
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion:
“I set myself the challenge of bringing Jerusalem forward in all areas. Everyone who has taken part in tournaments here has left with a deep emotional connection to what they experienced in Jerusalem. Even around the world, people love us – everyone feels this is their capital. All institutions must ensure the city receives the place it deserves. In the last seven years, we’ve invested hundreds of millions of shekels in sports infrastructure. God willing, we will also build an Olympic swimming pool.”
Ami Baran, Chairman of the Israel Athletics Association:
“I am proud and excited. This competition brings the new spirit we began long ago in Jerusalem, bringing international athletics events to the city. Our cooperation with the European Athletics Federation is long-standing, and there is mutual appreciation. They know we need this.”
Rogel Nachum, Head of the Elite Division at the Israel Athletics Association:
“This stadium has a great reputation worldwide. It’s a fast stadium where good results are achieved. A Silver-level competition gives high ranking points, which is why athletes are drawn to come here.”
Yishai Ifraimov, from Lider Jerusalem:
“There was unexpected disappointment at the Israeli Championships. I gave up a competition in Sweden to come prepared for the Grand Slam. I’m here to win and break a record.”
Adva Cohen, from Maccabi Tel Aviv:
“The feeling of competing here is emotional. My goal is to reach the World Championships in Tokyo, improve my record, and try to make the final – and then Los Angeles. I’m used to this weather, I’ve had good results in the heat, and it won’t be an obstacle.”
Blessing Afrifah, from Maccabi Tel Aviv:
“I didn’t expect to break the record – and by such a margin. Competing here is always emotional because I’m a man of faith. I come to enjoy, to give a show, to run fast, and to break the Israeli record again. I have no pressure. I’m coming in with confidence, and I proved that at the Israeli Championships. It’s very important for me to win at home.”
Ticket prices for the competition range from 30–65 NIS, with the goal of making this high-level international sporting event accessible to the general public.
Photo credit: Roy Kfir
