Tag Archives: Jerusalem

by | February 14, 2013 · 2:17 pm

PPI-ME Welcomes Guests from the U.S. for Exciting Visit

The whole group together at the close of the site visit

The whole group together at the close of the site visit

This past Sunday, PPI – ME was given the opportunity to host a few important guests from the United States. The guest of honor was  Lee Satterfield, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Professional and Cultural Exchanges at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), who was joined from Washington by Sheila Casey. PeacePlayers recently received a grant from the ECA to carry out a two-part program that would include a participant exchange to the United States in September with youth leaders as well as a Leadership Development Program (LDP) that would be held locally throughout next year.

In addition to Lee, other guests included Hilary Olsin-Windecker (Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv), Sri Kulkarni (American Center Director), Michele Dastin-van Rijn (Cultural Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv) and Michael Richards (Consul for Press and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem).

Lee Satterfield (left) and American Fellow Jamie Walsh work together in some twinning drills

Lee Satterfield (left) and American Fellow Jamie Walsh work together in some twinning drills

The guests were given the chance to see the current LDP program in action as they helped demonstrate some of classic twinning drills with Basketball Operations Manager Vito Gilic. They were even able to witness just how fun and effective these activities are as they participated in the drills as well!

Following the twinning portion of the event Project Manager Galit Sahar also walked the guests through PPI’s Arbinger curriculum and showcased a few basketball drills we use in conjunction with in depth discussions and personal storytelling. Afterwards there was a question and answer session where the guests from the U.S. and the LDP participants were able to get to know each other a little better and truly discuss the effects of the program and how PPI has changed their lives.

Galit engaging the participants in some Arbinger discussions

Galit engaging the participants in some Arbinger discussions

This was a great way for everyone involved to meet some of the people who help make this program possible, and for our supporters to see that our youth leaders have already achieved remarkable results.

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by | January 17, 2013 · 9:02 am

PeacePlayers serves diverse communities throughout Jerusalem

Twinning for children of Keshet and Beit Safafa

Twinning for children of Keshet and Beit Safafa

PPI – ME is proud to work in a wide variety of diverse communities throughout the Jerusalem area. It is extremely important for the program to deliver on bringing kids of all backgrounds together through sport. One of the reasons PeacePlayers is so effective and unique is that these kids are able to meet and interact with others in ways they never would have without PPI. Many participants claim that this is the only way they have met and became friends with people from “the other side.” Below is a short description of some of these communities:

Map of areas where PPI - ME operates

Map of areas where PPI – ME operates

Beit Safafa: In 1949, Beit Safafa was divided between Jordan and Israel, separating family members by a fence manned by the Israeli and Jordanian militaries. When Israel occupied East Jerusalem in 1967, many families in the village were reunited. Beit Safafa is also a disadvantaged community with the median wage being about 2,400 shekels (or $600) per month. PPI-ME currently maintains five teams in Beit Safafa, serving boys ages 6 – 14 and girls ages 6 – 16, and Beit Safafa youth are also members of the Leadership Development Program [LDP].

Beit Shemesh: A socially conservative Jewish suburb of Jerusalem, with a less advantaged population that includes a significant immigrant population, many from the Former Soviet Union and Ethiopia. PPI – ME currently operates one girls’ team in Beit Shemesh, many of whose members are new immigrants.

Esawiah: An Arab neighborhood in East Jerusalem, which borders on the Hebrew University. The neighborhood, which is one of the toughest in the city, suffers from many injustices and inequalities that plague much of East Jerusalem. In August 2012, 3,000 students from the neighborhood protested the deficit of classrooms, with 800 children without a place to study. PPI – ME has been active in Esawiah since 2005 and currently has two teams there.

Givat Ram: Located in West Jerusalem, the Jewish neighborhood of Givat Ram is home to the Knesset and many other government agencies. PPI – ME has been active in Givat Ram since 2008 and currently has one team there.

One of our teams from the community of Beit Safafa

One of our teams from the community of Beit Safafa

Ein Rafah: A small Arab village on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Most residents descend from a single extended family. PPI – ME began working in Ein Rafah in 2010, and currently has one children’s team in the town.

Kiryat Anavim: The first kibbutz to be established in the Judean Hills, founded in 1920 by Jews from Eastern Europe. PPI – ME has worked with the kibbutz since 2011, and currently has one team there.

PeacePlayer’s work in these communities is extremely vital. In many cases this is the only activity offered to the children there.  The opportunity to be involved in a program that offers sport and peace education is extremely valuable as it empowers the children and the future of each community.  The goal of PPI is that these children will take what they have learned through the program and reach out to others to continuing the cycle of change.

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by | December 20, 2012 · 5:40 pm

PPI ME spreads the holiday cheer at Mini-Fest

Kids got deep into their creative side at the Abe and Irene Holiday Happening.

Kids got deep into their creative side at the Abe and Irene Holiday Happening.

PeacePlayers International – Middle East celebrated this year’s holiday season with the annual “Abe and Irene Pollin Holiday Happening,” which featured basketball, entertainment and art for all the young kids in the program. The special occasion was separated into several different stations of activities from basketball skills to arts and crafts to getting to interact and watch a professional juggler perform. There was also a holiday station to learn about and discuss the traditions of the Jewish holiday Hanukah, the Muslim holiday celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed, and the Christian holiday Christmas. Many of the kids participated in question and answer sessions that hopefully contributed to a shared understanding of the diverse religious traditions of this region.

Kids gained newfound coordination at the juggling station.

Kids gained newfound coordination at the juggling station.

The kids also got to play “Santa says, ” that was loosely based on the game “Simon Says”. They picked up the game quickly and had a great time following the crazy gestures and ridiculous dance moves! PPI staff Galit Sahar and Vito Gilic did a tremendous job of creating and coordinating this event along with the help of our Leadership Development Program (LDP) team. The LDP participants did an excellent job exemplifying the skills they have acquired as a result of being a part of the program. One of our LDP participants, Juman, said, “It is very important for us to be

involved because it gives us experience and helps us to become better leaders. It also makes us feel confident that the PPI staff trusts us enough to depend on us to run parts of the event.” Coach Khaled, who graduated from the LDP himself, agreed, adding, “LDP has helped me to develop the leadership and coaching skills to be able to work with the kids independently and this responsibility makes me more confident.”

It may have seemed a little hectic, but underneath there was a sense of harmony.

It may have seemed a little hectic, but underneath there was a sense of harmony.

This event was about playing together and learning to appreciate other cultures and traditions. To an outsider, the event may have seemed a little hectic, with 100-odd kids cheering, jumping and playing in the gym. Anyone involved with PPI, though, could see the underlying togetherness and unity that prevailed, in spite of the differences that plague the Arab and Jewish communities here every day.

As always, thank you to the Pollin family for making the holiday the Holiday Happening possible.

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by | December 13, 2012 · 6:44 pm

Peace Is in the Air at the Jerusalem Peace League

Team camaraderie at Peace League

Team camaraderie at Peace League

This weeks blog is written by Jamie Walsh, PPI – ME’s newest International Fellow. Jamie played varsity women’s basketball at LaSalle University.

I have been in Israel about two weeks now and have already experienced two amazing events.  On Sunday I attended the annual Peace League tournament at the Hand in Hand school (the only mixed Palestinian – Israeli school in Jerusalem).   This event combines registered PPI participants with external teams, aiming to provide children who are not associated with the PeacePlayers program a chance to witness and partake in coexistence activities.  As I have learned already, this is no small feat as most children never meet the other side, let alone interact and mingle for a whole days worth of basketball!

It was amazing to watch these girls play together without any obvious divide or dissention.

It was amazing to watch these girls play together without any obvious divide or dissention.

The event featured the Hand in Hand team (Palestinian girls who study at the school), the U-16 Jerusalem All Stars team, as well as two unaffiliated teams from the Jerusalem neighborhoods of Ramot and Pisgat Zeev.  The tournament went off without a hitch as these girls competed intensely and had a blast while doing so!  As I am very new here and still learning the ins and outs of the program, it was amazing and moving to watch these girls play together without any obvious divide or dissention.  Whether the kids were playing in the game, cheering from the bench or keeping score, everyone seemed to be having a great time.  There was never a dull moment throughout the day and it was such a great way for me to experience just how significant and impactful the Peace Players program truly is.

Jamie (center) illustrates how seeing people as people helps in basketball too.

Jamie (center) illustrates how seeing people as people helps in basketball too.

Following the Peace League tournament I also witnessed Arbinger facilitators Nissreen Najjar and Renana Gal put on a remarkable session in the Anatomy of Peace methodology with a few of the teams.  Although most of the session had to be translated for me, the girls really seemed to open up and share some of their thoughts and feelings about seeing others as people regardless of race, religion or any other differences they may have.  I was fortunate enough to join in as well, sharing stories of my own about how the inner conflict of seeing others as people vs. objects can occur on AND off the basketball court.  I can’t help but feel extremely fortunate to be a part of this program that not only uses basketball to build bridges and change perspectives but also encourages the constant back and forth communication that helps to break down barriers.

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by | December 6, 2012 · 2:25 pm

Say Hello to Jamie Walsh, PPI – ME’s New International Fellow

The way I have been welcomed with open arms by these kids has truly amazed me.

The way I have been welcomed with open arms by these kids has truly amazed me.

Hi, I’m Jamie. After much anticipation and eagerness, admittedly mixed with some anxiety, I have finally arrived in Israel!  I must admit that even after reading a ton of information in the past few weeks, I really was not sure what to expect.  After the recent conflict occurred between Israel and Gaza, my flight was postponed and I wondered if this was all really going to happen.  However, just a couple weeks later I am finally here and am beginning to meet everyone in the PPI-ME family and settle into my new apartment in Jerusalem.

I am learning more each day about this rich culture and am hoping to make some small positive difference during my time here.

I am learning more each day about this rich culture and I am hoping to make some small positive difference during my time here.

I am very excited to begin this fellowship program.  The Middle East is a long way away from Philadelphia, my home town. I joined PeacePlayers after playing Division One basketball for four years with La Salle University. I am learning more each day about this rich culture here in the Middle East, and I am hoping to make some small positive difference during my time here. There are many personal challenges I will face such as adjusting to a new language and trying to find comfort in a place that is completely foreign to me, but I am sure that in the end this journey will change my life for the better. I have only just met a few of the teams here so far, but the way I have been welcomed with open arms by these kids has truly amazed me.

On my very first full day here I traveled to Haifa with one of the All-Star teams along with coaches Samer and Oshra to watch them play a league game.  That night, while waiting for the game before ours to finish up, the girls were already talking to me and trying to teach me some Hebrew and Arabic words.  A few were surprised to learn I didn’t know anything and immediately taught me the word “sababa” (cool, great, no problem) which they claimed was essential to know!  I am excited to learn more and more from all of them as I have a long way to go!  I look forward to meeting all of the people I will be working with here and for all of the new experiences to come.

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by | November 29, 2012 · 5:45 pm

LDP, Jr. – The Next Generation of Shared Palestinian-Israeli Youth Leadership

LDP, Jr. girls kicked off the year with a set of team-building games in the park.

On top of the 24 Palestinian and Israeli teen members of the Leadership Development Program (LDP), PPI – ME has started a preparatory program for exceptional girls ages 12-15 to give them early leadership opportunities ahead of full-fledged LDP membership at age 16. The “LDP, Jr.” girls come from Jerusalem and Holon, and the new initiative came to be after we noticed that lots of our younger girls were eagerly showing up to volunteer as assistant coaches for younger PeacePlayers, a task usually given to their older LDP peers. The 17 girls of the LDP, Jr., who in addition play on other PPI teams, will have leadership workshops every other month throughout the year and a year-end social action project, which the girls will choose, plan and lead themselves. In addition, they will also join the older LDP kids at the annual retreat that will take place next month.

Girls needed to show resolve, creativity and teamwork to complete the tasks.

The group launched officially about a month ago, with a team-building day in the park. Program Manager Galit Sahar led the girls in a string of games to build trust, cooperation and creativity. First, the girls sat in a circle, and each said her name, its meaning, and why her parents chose to give her that name. Afterwards the girls were split into mixed pairs of one Palestinian and one Israeli girl, and each had to fall backwards and trust that the other would catch her. Needless to say, the girls had good reason to trust one another and no one fell.

The girls finished the activity with a human pyramid, shouting out “LDP.”

In another game, the girls had to stand together on a small blanket and, working together, flip the blanket over without taking their feet off the blanket. This required great resolve, creativity and teamwork, and was not easy to complete, especially since they could not stop giggling. The girls tried several strategies, including carrying one another to save space. Ultimately, with some quick, creative thinking from Juman from East Jerusalem, the girls were able to manage the task at hand. At the end, the girls on their own initiative built a human pyramid, steadying themselves and then shouting “LDP!”

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by | November 6, 2012 · 4:13 pm

Hand in Hand — Till the Conflict Ends

Aia (second from right) and Ranim (second from left) pose with friends September’s Peace Education Retreat

This week’s blog is the first of a two-part series, written by PPI – ME curriculum facilitator Renana, which discusses how the Israeli Palestinian conflict has impacted youth on both sides of the divide. This week we present the voices of three girls from East Jerusalem, Aia (14), Ranim (14) and Miral (15) – Palestinian girls who play in PPI – ME’s Hand in Hand girls’ team.  Below is a glimpse of an intense conversation Renana had with these charismatic, outspoken girls who have a whole lot to say about peace, shared living and sport.

How did you get to Peace Players?

Ranim: I’m with PPI since third grade. My friend at school played on the team at the time, and she told me I should come and check it out. I came and loved it— so I stayed.

Aia: I joined in seventh grade. My best friend is a wonderful basketball player, and when [PPI coaches] recruited new players to the PPI team at school, she encouraged me to join. It was a good idea for me, because I wanted to improve my sports skills. Plus, I suffer from Hypotonia [reduced muscle strength] and my doctors recommended that I join a regular sport activity. Basketball helps me get stronger physically.

Miral: I moved to Yad Be’yad school in fifth grade, and I heard everyone talking about PPI and the team. I became really curious, so I asked my mother to talk to my head-teacher to ask her if I can join the team—and that was it. I’m in it ever since!

In light of the increasing tension between Palestinians and Israelis how do you think PPI can carry out its messages of peace and shared living?

Ranim (left) takes part in a creative workshop with a friend from Beit Shemesh

Aia: We should create a movie about our organization, something that would reach out to people, that would move them to believe in our message. Also, we should go out together, the Jewish and the Arab teams, to demonstrate in public places against racist legislations. I’d like to show everyone that Jews and Palestinians can live together. I think the racist trend among youth has increased, because it’s not “cool” to be friends with Palestinians. I had a Jewish girl in my school who was really pro-peace, and was a great fan of the Palestinian cause. Due to social pressure from her Jewish friends, she changed her perspectives, and moved out of our school. It’s a shame that Jewish kids who’d like to have Palestinian friends become outcasts in Israeli society.

Miral: I live in Pisgat Ze’ev [a Jewish neighborhood in East Jerusalem that was annexed by Israel during the 6-Day War], and often times I’m afraid to speak in Arabic near my Jewish neighbors! It’s insane… My life proves to me that we have a lot of work to do. PeacePlayers should keep on advocating for their name and cause: Peace! Our name embodies our aim! Once people hear our name, and see our activity, it makes an impact. Even if small, our name has an impact nonetheless!

Ranim: I agree with Miral and Aya—we should publicize ourselves, make waves of interest. We have to focus on our beliefs, and not on the depressing politics. Focusing on the harsh reality will bring us down- it would discourage us. We should keep on practicing together, and grow with the organization.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Miral (right) jumps for the ball at a Twinning with Beit Shemesh

Miral: My dream is to be sort of an NBA player. I want to enter the court, wearing a shirt with my number on it, and people (who are into PeacePlayers) would recognize me. I also want to study law.

Ranim: I want to play basketball, but not professionally. I’d like to keep it as a hobby—going to university, and dribbling during my free time.

Aia: In five years from now, I see myself as a leading feminist activist. I’m hoping to lead a group that would foster and expand women’s rights in our society. I also want to live in Tel Aviv with my friend Jumah, and coach a PPI group in the city (laughing) and of course—studying!!!

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by | October 11, 2012 · 3:09 pm

All-Stars Season is On!

The All-Stars with Coach Boaz at their first game of the season

Last night, All-Stars season got officially into swing when the younger girls’ team played (and won with flying colors) their first game of the season, against a team from the town of Shoham. Through a partnership with ASA Jerusalem, one of Israel’s top women’s sports clubs, PPI – ME has enrolled three integrated Palestinian-Israeli teams in the Israel Basketball Association’s youth league this year.

Pregame on the court, tensions are high. Who will win the first game of the season?

Two teams – one made up of middle-aged girls and the other of high school girls – play regionally while another high school-age team competes nationally, which is the highest level of competition in Israel for that age group. PPI – ME got started in the league in 2010, launching the first ever mixed East-West Jerusalem league team, and this year’s partnership with ASA marks another move forward for us, as it further boosts are rep in the basketball world, and lets our efforts reach an even greater number of unaffiliated, and sometimes even skeptical people through high-profile league games and media coverage.

The younger girls’ team was the first to compete this year, with the other two teams starting league games next week. Their first game, which conveniently enough took place at home court, ended in an astounding victory for our girls. Stay tuned for more All-Stars news!

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by | September 20, 2012 · 7:22 pm

Seeing each other as people…. with masks on

The mask workshop requires physical closeness and trust between Palestinian and Israeli participants

LDP-er Juman (right) shows a younger PeacePlayers the right moves on the basketball court

This past weekend, PPI – ME returned to Kibbutz Sdot Yam for another in a long line of retreats that we’ve been holding to kick off the year. First there was the Jerusalem All-Stars excursion to Eilat last month, and the Professional Development Retreat for coaches took place a week after that. This time around it was the Peace Education Retreat for kids from East and West Jerusalem and the surrounding area. More than 50 kids ages 12-14 as well as Leadership Development Program (LDP) kids 15 and up were in attendance. In addition to playing basketball, the younger kids, many of whom are totally new to PPI, got an intensive intro to the Peace Education curriculum, which teaches kids to see each other as people on the basketball court and off. The workshop was led by new on-staff facilitators Nissreen and Renana, who led the session in two groups, one in Hebrew and one in Arabic, to maximize the younger children’s comprehension and ability to actively participate. LDP, who are already well versed in the curriculum, are putting a greater emphasis on gaining the tools to lead the curriculum.

On-staff facilitator Renana leads younger and newer participants in an Anatomy of Peace workshop

As an extra treat, PPI – ME Project Manager and facilitator Nissreen (who is also an artist) led a creative workshop that delves into the notion of cooperation and trust that are at the core of our program. For the activity, Palestinian and Israeli youth were split up into mixed pairs. Each member of every pair was charged with the task of applying plaster masks to his or her partner’s face. As Nissreen explains, the workshop offers an opportunity for intense cooperation, trust and communication. “Plaster, when not applied correctly with the right amount of Vaseline can stick to a person’s skin. Each member of the pair had to trust that the other person was taking the care to apply the mask the right way.” Nissreen also added that “the physical interaction make them feel comfortable with one another. Having contact with each other’s faces, which is very intimate, creates a sense of closeness and creates a positive feeling.” Workshops like these complement the impact of basketball, which works the body, and the curriculum, which works the mind, by creating a casual and fun way to build closeness.

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by | August 2, 2012 · 4:59 pm

NBA Former All Stars Meet Future All Stars

This summer, AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) and PPI – ME partnered to hold a unique event in Jerusalem.  AIPAC was hosting fifteen retired NBA (National Basketball Association) players traveling within the framework of the ‘Athlete Ambassadors’ program, and wanted to introduce them to the unconventional way PPI uses basketball to bridge divides.

Among the athletes on the roster were Stephen Bardo, Dr. Dick Barnett, Kenny Battle, Willie Burton, Joe Barry Carroll, Cedric Ceballos, Dale Ellis, Spencer Haywood, Stephen Howard, Marvin Roberts, Danny Schayes, Sedric Toney, and Sam Vincent.

Breaking fast at the Beit Safafa Community Center

The event, held August 1, fell during the middle of Ramadan.  Therefore, to start things out, all of the NBA players, members of AIPAC and ‘Athlete Ambassadors’ teams, and about 20 PPI members and employees, broke fast together at the Beit Safafa Community Center.  Before everyone dug in, Muhammad Salman, a member of PPI – ME’s Leadership Development Program (LDP) started the meal with some insight as to what Ramadan is and what it means to the Muslim community.

After everyone (especially those who had been fasting for the day) finished eating, they were ready to get on the basketball court.  About 30 kids and their 15 new veerrrryyyy tall friends ran basketball drills, talked about the PPI curriculum, shot hoops, and strutted their stuff.  The kids got lessons from the NBA players, and taught their professional counterparts some of their moves.

Sharing moves on the court

It was evident that everyone took away something from the event.  While the kids learned new bball techniques, the basketball players saw firsthand how the sport they have been playing for years could actually help to solve centuries-old conflicts. Needless to say, everyone walked away far more knowledgeable.  A great time was had by all!

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