The Games include athletics, swimming, football and tennis as well as lawn bowls chess, bridge, netball and cricket.
The games were founded in 1932 and have been held regularly, except between 1938 and 1950 - the years corresponding with the Nazi Holocaust and the Arab-Israeli war that led to Israel's establishment in 1948.
Among the competitors this year are over two dozen current or former Olympic, world or European champions and a former Test cricketer.
Many competitors must pay thousands of dollars for travel and accommodation expenses during the 11-day games.
Israel's immigration authorities have also seized the opportunity to try to attract the visitors to make their home in Israel.
