LA Celebrates Jewish American Heritage in Sports
During the 2026 Jewish American Heritage Month celebrations, the City of Los Angeles paid tribute to several honorees under this year's theme "Playing It Forward: Championing Jewish Values in Sports."
Honorees included actor Eric Braeden, best known for an ongoing role on the TV series "The Young and the Restless," who played soccer with the Maccabee Los Angeles team in the 1970s. Braeden shared that his experience on the team taught him to stand up to prejudice.
Another honoree Mitch Gaylord was the first gymnast in history to score a perfect ten during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Pro hockey player honoree Chelsey Goldberg highlighted how faith and sport can combine to inspire resilience, bring people together, and build community.
Los Angeles has a highly concentrated Jewish population, that attendees described as a close-knit "family."
#LACityResidents
Honorees included actor Eric Braeden, best known for an ongoing role on the TV series "The Young and the Restless," who played soccer with the Maccabee Los Angeles team in the 1970s. Braeden shared that his experience on the team taught him to stand up to prejudice.
Another honoree Mitch Gaylord was the first gymnast in history to score a perfect ten during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Pro hockey player honoree Chelsey Goldberg highlighted how faith and sport can combine to inspire resilience, bring people together, and build community.
Los Angeles has a highly concentrated Jewish population, that attendees described as a close-knit "family."
#LACityResidents