East Brunswick Fencer To Compete in Israel

When Benjamin Weinfeld picked up a fencing weapon at summer camp a few years ago, it was just to give the sport a try. Years later, his love for the sport will be taking him all the way to Israel to represent the U.S. in an international tournament.

Weinfeld, 17, at senior at East Brunswick High School, fences sabre at Escrimeur Fencing, located at the Fields Sports Complex, under head coach Leon Spector.

He has been selected to travel to Israel in July to compete as part of Maccabi USA at the 19th Annual World Maccabiah Games, an athletic event that celebrates Jewish heritage and will feature more than 7,000 athletes from around the world.

"It's been so much fun for me," Weinfeld said, of fencing.

Weinfeld will be in Israel for three weeks, where he will fence competitively against fencers from around the world. His acceptance to the team took him by surprise.

Spector brought the event to his attention a few months back as a good opportunity for the young fencer, Weinfeld said.

After conferring with his parents, Weinfeld said "We sort of signed up to see what would happen," and then heard nothing.

"I just got got an email and letter (that basically said) by the way you've made the team," he said. "I guess it paid off."

Weinfeld trains three days a week at Escrimeur and fences at competitions a few times a month. He hopes to compete in more fencing tournaments in advance of the games.

"The more people I fence outside my club, the more experience I get," he said.

This will be Weinfeld's second trip to Israel, his first being abour five years ago following his Bar Mitzvah.

Maccabi USA has a website set up to accept donations to help offset the costs of Weinfeld's trip, and can be viewed by clicking here.

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