Before Gary became involved with Maccabi USA, he represented South Africa at the 1985 and 1989 World Maccabiah Games, where he won two gold medals. He spent his early years as captain of the U20 team at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa. Gary also played for the U20 Provincial Transvaal team and the U20 and Open teams at South African Universities and Santa Monica Rugby from 1992-2002.

Gary was team captain for many years during his stint at Santa Monica Rugby and was named Back Player of the Year four times. He was also inducted into the Santa Monica Rugby Club Hall of Fame. Additionally, he was selected to represent the Southern California Griffins in 1995 and 1996. In 1998, Gary played for the USA Eagles on a successful tour of Portugal and Spain. Gary is an Accountant by profession and is CFO of Feedonomics.

'We are privileged to honor our esteemed friend, mentsch of the highest order and outstanding rugby player, Gary Puterman at our inaugural dinner. Without exception Gary is the finest rugby player I have ever had the privilege of playing against in both my rugby union and league career. He captained the South African XV against our Great Britain XV in the 1989 Maccabiah Games Final at the Wingate Institute in Netanya. As an attacking full-back his incredible pace and running ability with perfectly timed incursions into the line was unstoppable and a major reason for their winning the gold medal."

Jason Shela MBE FRSA MA