Tag Archives: peaceplayers international – middle east

by | May 16, 2013 · 2:52 pm

Spreading the Love – An Afternoon of Peace in the Middle East

American volunteer Jack Randolph posing with some of the girls from Usaphiya

American volunteer Jack Randolph posing with some of the girls from Usaphiya

Last Friday PPI – Middle East held a Peace League event for two Jewish teams from the cities of Haifa and Holon, one Arab team from Tamra, and a Druze team from the city of Usafiya. PeacePlayers runs events like these to give participants a chance to come together and play in competitive games on mixed teams with kids from different areas.

PPI participant Yael from Holon goofing around!

PPI participant Yahel from Holon goofing around!

For Jack Randolph, our American volunteer, it was his first time witnessing a Peace League event. Jack noticed how as an observer you would have no idea that the players are of religions that rarely mix with each other. Instead, you would see is a large group of teenage girls having a great time enjoying each other’s company and playing sports. Afterwards Jack said, “I was extremely impressed by the girls basketball ability and physical play. What was even cooler was that while the games were very competitive the participants really seemed to care about each other and want everyone to succeed.”

This is type of attitude PPI hopes to develop and teach all of its participants, and Peace Leagues are just another exciting way to show everyone that despite our differences we can come together and make the world a better place. Yahel Jovanovic, a new Jewish girl from the Holon team had this to say: “Playing with the Arab and Druze girls is normal to me now. I have been in PPI for over half a year so I know these girls well and consider them my friends. It was weird in the beginning when we first started playing but it isn’t anymore.”

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by | May 9, 2013 · 2:24 pm

An Instant Connection – BYU Student Tenealle Visits PeacePlayers – Middle East

Tenealle and the girls getting silly at an LDP junior event

Tenealle (in blue) and some PPI-ME participants getting silly at an LDP junior event

This week we have a guest blogger, Tenealle Tenwolde. Tenealle was one of Chad Ford’s students from BYU that was featured in the blog from last week. Below Tenealle shares what PPI meant to her and what she learned from the program.

Believing that “children who play together can learn to live together” is an inspiring belief that was strongly translated in the PPI organization members. Meeting all the staff, from the International Fellow and the volunteers, to the Managing and Operating Directors, I felt a sense of family between them all. They didn’t just operate as co-workers but with a loving friendship of importance. Greeting us with hugs and laughs we immediately felt welcomed, a genuine love and meaningful relationships that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Project Manager Galit Sahar leading the LDP junior event along with the BYU students

Project Manager Galit Sahar leading the LDP junior event along with the BYU students

That authentic care has positively influenced the kids they work with and I’m so grateful I was able to experience and feel it. As Caitie, Taylor (other BYU visiting students) and I entered the gym to a mini’s practice, we were shown so many smiles, hugs and even basketball tips from the kids. We instantly felt a connection and the phenomenon of seeing people as people was in full effect. Even though everyone spoke different languages, we all understood the happiness that was felt.

Like every family or organization, problems will arise and struggles will appear, but with that genuine love and shared passion to bring children together to find peace, PPI comes together to overcome, sustain peace and strengthen their family relationships.

The girls coming together to pose for a picture!

The girls coming together to pose for a picture!

I’m so happy I was able to be a part of that for the brief time we spent there. It has inspired me so much and shown me that we all need each other to grow, love and overcome obstacles. Even the smallest act can bring the greatest change and I believe PPI is making those small changes to create influential greatness.

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by | May 2, 2013 · 3:41 pm

At The Feet Of Heroes – Brigham Young Students Visit The Middle East

The girls and Chad celebrating with a PPI ME team

ESPN Senior Writer and BYUH Professor, Chad Ford, and his students, Caitlyn, Tenealle and Taylor, celebrating with a PPI – ME team

PPI – Middle East had the great pleasure of hosting Global Board Member and friend, Chad Ford, and three of his students this past week. Chad is a Professor at Brigham Young University – Hawaii (BYUH) and Director of the University’s McKay Center. He is known for his study of conflict resolution with an emphasis on large group ethnic and religious conflict, as well as for his sports journalism with ESPN. This week’s blog features highlights from an interview with his three students, Caitlyn Nalder, Tenealle Tenwolde and Taylor Rippy, who were given the opportunity to visit the Middle East for the very first time.

Why did you apply to come on this trip with Chad to the Middle East?

Tenealle: I decided to apply for this trip because of the amazing stories Chad has told us about PeacePlayers and my personal interest in conflict resolution. The opportunity to put all my peace building studies to work and really see a different culture. I had to apply!

What did you want to get out of this experience?

Caitlyn: The thing I wanted most out of this trip was being able to spend time with the people, particularly the girls. I wanted to learn from them and in exchange maybe they could learn a thing or two, something small from me.

Caitlyn, Taylor and Tenealle getting some culture while visiting holy sites

Caitlyn, Taylor and Tenealle getting some culture while visiting holy sites

Can you tell of something that surprised you or what you walked away with after this experience?

Taylor: I reflect back on everything and I can’t believe I was there and experienced what I did. I was so overwhelmed with love for the people I met, specifically the PPI players. I wasn’t even anticipating it, but the first day I walked into the gym where the girls were warming up, I almost exploded into tears. It was the greatest warmth and love that just rushed over me. I truly immediately loved each one of them. And now I’m crying as I write this. The region itself is beautiful and the cultures, the people, the land. I close my eyes and it all comes back. I never want to lose that.

Were there any moments that really touched you in your time here?

The girls, Chad and some PPI participants learning from each other!

The girls, Chad and PPI participants learning from each other at a PeacePlayers activity

Caitlyn: I was deeply touched when walking into the gym with the girls warming up for a game. Music was bumpin’, and the energy was alive. There was a special spirit there. Tears fell down my cheeks and the thought clearly and distinctly entered my mind, “You’re at the feet of heroes here. These girls are going to change the world. Powerful leaders and influences for good are in front of you, stay connected with them. They have a lot to teach you.” From that point on things changed. I couldn’t help but want to get to know them, no matter the language and cultural barriers. At the heart of it all, we are alive, breathing, and people. And above all, we have the capacity to love.

Tenealle: Seeing the biblical sights, the amazing architecture and the religious perspective was amazing and influential. But the moments that really touched me was how we all interacted around the table. The culture of food is so inviting, not only because absolutely everything I ate was delicious but also because it wasn’t just a time to eat together it was a time to share our thoughts and share the joy. We would always share our dishes and exchange our thoughts openly and freely. It was an invigorating feeling and strengthened our relationships and showed how commonalities in cultures can bring us together.

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by | April 25, 2013 · 7:57 pm

Catching up with Coach Khaled

Coach Khaled with some members of his team from Issawiya

Coach Khaled with some members of his team from Issawiya

This week’s blog features an update with Khaled, one of the several PPI members that has gone through the program and has graduated to being a coach.  As one of the very first members of PPI – ME, he has a very unique perspective and is an inspiration to all of our younger participants.

When did you become a part of the PPI organization?

I was one of the first participants ever in the PeacePlayers Middle East program. I began when I was about 13 years old and also went through the Leadership Development Program (LDP). I am still a member of PPI but my role has developed, as I am now a coach.

How many teams do you currently coach?

I coach a boy and a girl’s team from Issawiya, which is the village I am from. Aside from that I also coach a team made up of young participants (minis) in Ein Rafa and two others from the Hand in Hand school. I also help out with another team from Qirvat Anavim so I definitely keep busy!

Khaled having some fun with his team from Ein Rafa

Khaled having some fun with his team from Ein Rafa

How does it feel to be involved with PPI as a coach instead of a participant?

It feels very nice because I remember what it was like and how much I loved being a participant in the program. I want to make PeacePlayers as special and exciting for the kids as I know it was for me. It also feels really good to be able to give back to the program that has given and continues to give so much to me.

Has PPI changed your views about “the other side”?

Khaled hanging out with other members of the PPI family

Khaled hanging out with other members of the PPI family

PPI has definitely changed my mind about Jewish people. As a participant, in the beginning I was very scared when I learned I was going to play with a Jewish team. Because of the conflict that exists every day here I wasn’t so sure I wanted to be a part of this. However, after only a couple twinnings I began to feel comfortable with the other side and I made friends with Jewish participants that I have kept in touch with to this day.

What is the most important thing PPI has taught you?

PPI has taught me to truly respect others in a way I didn’t know how to do before. The program has also given me the opportunity to meet people from different religions and neighborhoods that I would not have been able to. They allowed me to do this all through basketball, which is a sport I have grown to love. Most of all they have taught me how to be a good leader and given me the skills to be able to coach my own teams.

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by | April 19, 2013 · 12:23 am

PeacePlayers Welcomes Special Guests From Adidas

All participants at the conclusion of a spectacular event

PPI’s young leaders pose with the adidas guests at the conclusion of a spectacular event

Adidas is a key partner of PeacePlayers International, helping to serve tens of thousands of children through a variety of projects around the world. This past month, 3 members of adidas, PPI Board Member and Vice President of Global Basketball, Lawrence Norman, Global Director of Basketball, Greg Marron, and Global Category Manager, Jack Gray, visited PPI’s Middle East program to see first-hand how we use basketball with a unique Peace Education Curriculum to bridge divides between Israel’s Jewish and Arab youth. In Israel, where most Arab and Jewish youth lack any opportunities for positive interaction, PPI gives over 500 children annually the unique opportunity to play sport together in a fun and inclusive environment.

ADIDAS guests getting involved and playing with the kids

adidas guests getting involved and playing with the kids

The visitors spent their morning with PPI coaches and staff touring the Old City, learning about the ancient and complex history of the region. After a special tour of the Western Wall Tunnels, everyone headed to the Hand in Hand School to participate in a PeacePlayers Leadership Development Program (LDP) practice. Each year 24 specially selected LDP participants engage in a variety of athletic, community service and professional development activities so that they may become leaders for social change and the next generation of PPI coaches.

After introductions were made, coach Vito Gilic and curriculum facilitator Nissreen Najjar led the kids and the adidas representatives through a series of different basketball drills that demonstrated PPI’s peace education principles. For Lawrence, who also serves on PPI’s Board of Directors, this was not his first time seeing PPI’s programming in action. “I have now attended four events in the Middle East over the past five years, and watching the kids grow up in the program to become future leaders reminds me how lucky I am to be part of PPI.”

Once this activity was finished, the kids were split into three teams and each adidas guest had a chance to coach them in some competitive games. Things got intense as all the games were very close. There were even a few buzzer beaters! LDP participant, Hadas Prawer, said after the practice, “I had such a great time meeting the adidas guys. They were very nice and it was so much fun to play with them during the practice and also have them as our coaches at the end of the day. Overall it was a great day and I am so happy that they came to meet us.”

Lawrence Norman coaching his PPI team

Guest coach Lawrence Norman motivating his PeacePlayers team

Before the guests departed they stuck around for pictures and even stayed to play a few games of one-on-one with the kids. The event was not only memorable for the kids, it made a huge impact on the guests as well. After returning home and hearing the shocking news out of Boston, Lawrence wrote to the PPI staff: “Seeing what happened in Boston (my hometown) this week is yet another reminder of the hatred that exists in all corners of the globe. And the horrific event at the Marathon brought flashbacks to the three years I lived in Tel Aviv—a time when the sound of detonating bombs was part of the routine. However, what PeacePlayers is doing in the Middle East paints such a different picture…one of teamwork, warmth and optimism. There is plenty of good out there, and seeing the kids’ smiling faces this week reminded me of this again.”

PPI is grateful for adidas’ generosity and commitment to supporting our peacebuilding efforts, and looking forward to continuing our partnership. Upcoming events include a session with adidas staff at the US headquarters in Portland and then this summer in DC, when some of the same youth from the LDP practice in Jerusalem will be traveling to US for two weeks of leadership training and cultural exchange supported by the US Department of State Sport United Program.

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by | April 11, 2013 · 2:36 pm

PPI ME celebrates another outstanding Mini Fest!

PPI minis having a blast playing together!

PPI minis having a blast playing together!

Last Friday PeacePlayers International - Middle East wrapped up another successful mini fest. Mini fests are a fantastic opportunity for several teams of young PPI participants to get to know each other. Over 50 kids from the ages of 6-8 gathered in the gym for an afternoon of basketball and fun. In the beginning of the event the minis spent some time mingling, running around and shooting baskets together. Once everyone arrived, the coaches set up three different stations of ball handling, passing and shooting and another with games. The kids were then divided into three groups, each of which contained participants from every team present at the event.

The minis had a blast interacting with new kids while they worked on their basketball skills. To conclude the event super coach Vito Gilic brought all the kids together to partake in creative relay races.

Coach Vito Gilic setting up relay races at the conclusion of the event

Coach Vito Gilic setting up relay races at the conclusion of the event

It was incredible to see all of the kids screaming and cheering each other on the entire time. A spectator would never be able to recognize or notice that many of the participants come from very different communities and would normally not have any contact with one another let alone be sharing an afternoon of sport and activities together.

Another inspiring aspect to the event was that PPI-ME’s Leadership Development team (LDP) took a significant role in the mini fest as well and led each station. This was a great opportunity for the young PPI participants to interact with the older leaders of the program. They were able to observe and spend quality time with positive role models within their own communities.

PPI participants taking a quick break to pose for a picture

PPI participants taking a quick break to pose for a picture

Many of the LDP members began in PPI at a young age so it was incredible to see the two groups bonding. To have the LDP members’ giving back to the minis is a big part of what PeacePlayers is all about so the occasion was effective and positive in more ways than one!

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by | April 4, 2013 · 6:01 pm

Making a Difference: PeacePlayers Project Manager, Nissreen Najjar

Nissreen hard at work teaching Arbinger at one of PPI's twinnings

Nissreen hard at work teaching Arbinger at one of PPI’s twinnings

This week’s blog features an interview with PPI – Middle East staff member Nissreen Najjar. Nissreen has two roles within PPI as an Arbinger Facilitator and Project Manager. In addition to her position at PPI she is also a professor and lectures at Bethlehem University and Dar Al-Kalima College.

How long have you been a part of PPI and why did you want to become a part of this organization?

I have been apart of this organization for 3.5 years. I wanted to work here largely due to my past experiences. I have worked with Jewish and Arab youth before and it was not always the best situation. I was looking forward to the opportunity of being able to work with these groups again but this time I wanted to focus on ideology. I wanted to have the chance to make a positive impact on all our realities here in the Middle East.

Can you share an experience at PPI that has impacted you personally?

PPI ME's Arbinger Faciliator and Project Manager

PPI ME’s Arbinger Faciliator and Project Manager

The best example is probably the relationship between two girls teams at Hand in Hand (Arab team) and Bet Shemesh (Jewish team). After the 2nd Gaza war these two communities really gave me hope that PPI can make a difference in peoples lives. At one of the twinnings immediately after everything happened the girls were really able to open up and communicate with each other about the conflict. They did it in a very mature way and were not disconnected at all. It was amazing to see them sharing their feelings after such an emotional and trying time for everyone.

What is something that has inspired you about the participants in the program as someone who has prior experience in this field?

Something that inspires me every day I work in PeacePlayers is how open and honest the kids are. They speak with such innocence and candor and are so open with me and with each other. It is extremely inspiring and refreshing to be apart of such an amazing group of people.

Do you think programs such as PPI really work?

Nissreen and PPI Participant Miryam

Nissreen and PPI Participant Miryam

It is a very difficult situation here but I think PPI does work because it is changing the mindset of the youth in the program. You cannot change everyone but if you can change and open up one person’s mind then you have done your job. The participants in PPI will in turn share what they have learned with others and their families, which is how we are able to make an impact on communities.

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by | March 28, 2013 · 2:28 pm

LDP Boys pull off close win against the Jerusalem School

LDP team watching intently as the coach draws up a play

LDP team watching intently as the coach draws up a play

The Leadership Development Program (LDP) Boys team played a suspenseful, exciting game this past Tuesday against the Jerusalem School boy’s team. From the very beginning the game was tight as there were several lead changes throughout the entire match. The team held a 7-point lead at half time but the Jerusalem boys never quit and the game was tied up again half way through the fourth quarter. It was an intense battle throughout the game but the LDP boys fought hard and played together to pull out a 50-43 victory in the end.

LDP boys are exposed to a wide variety of activities throughout the year as they practice together weekly and participate in numerous Arbinger sessions and creative workshops.

The game getting intense in the final quarter!

The game getting intense in the final quarter!

However, many of the LDP participant’s favorite activity is when they have the opportunity to test the skills they have been practicing on and off the court in a real game. LDP member Bashar commented,

“We really enjoy playing in games and we are improving every day. I hope we keep getting better and better as we get more experienced and continue to play together.”

The team has pulled out wins in several of their last few games. This is a direct result of how remarkably well the boys play together due to all the time they have spent getting to know one another. Not only does this include long hours practicing

LDP participant Laith getting ready for the game

LDP participant Laith getting ready for the game

but also time spent learning how to play as one and better understanding each other on and off the court without a second thought to race or religion.  Anyone in the crowd watching the game on Tuesday would never know how much these kids have overcome by playing together which is perhaps the most extraordinary part of it all.

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by | March 21, 2013 · 1:17 pm

PPI – Middle East Gets Busy Up North

All participants coming together to celebrate yet another PPI twinning

Haifa and Tamra participants coming together to celebrate yet another PPI twinning.

PeacePlayers – Middle East has been hard at work planning and putting on several exciting events for its participants as the Jewish holiday of Passover quickly approaches. Jewish PPI teams will have off for a couple of weeks during this period so we tried to pack in as many joint activities for Arab and Jewish kids before the start of the holiday season. Just in the past week we have hosted several twinnings and peace league tournaments to give kids multiple opportunities to get together.

For example, this past Friday PPI – ME hosted a peace league tournament in the north in the Druze community of Usafiya with their Jewish twinned team from Holon. You might remember meeting these girls in last week’s blog about the recent Peace Education Retreat.

A Jewish participant from Holon and a Druze from Usaphiya having some fun together at half court

A Jewish participant from Holon (left) and a Druze from Usafiya having some fun together at half court

The Druze are an Arab religious minority in Israel (they are neither Muslim nor Christian), and this young girls’ basketball team adds yet another dynamic to the diverse mix of PPI participants. This diversity further demonstrates how,  regardless of religion and other differences, PPI is teaching participants to see and treat each other as people.

Another event that occurred this past week was an extra large twinning including three Arab teams from Tamra and their three twinned Jewish teams from Haifa. The girls, whose ages ranged from about age 6 to 13, partook in basketball activities on several courts. The older girls enjoyed scrimmaging with each other on mixed teams and practicing the basketball skills which they have been learning. At the same time, younger girls competed in intense drills together in order to sharpen their dribbling and shooting abilities.

Girls from Tamra and American fellow Jamie Walsh having some fun during the twinning in Haifa

Girls from Tamra and American fellow Jamie Walsh having some fun during the twinning in Haifa

At both of these events it was clear that the girls were focused on playing basketball and having fun together, rather than focusing on any differences that could separate them.

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by | March 14, 2013 · 7:48 pm

PeacePlayer Teams Take Over Caesarea for Weekend Retreat

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Beit Shemesh and Hand-in-Hand teams work together at the obstacle course.

PeacePlayers – ME worked double duty this past weekend as several teams enjoyed an action-packed Peace Education Retreat in Kibbutz Sdot Yam, just on the outskirts of the coastal town of Caesarea. The fun began on Thursday evening as Arab and Jewish girls from Tamra and Haifa poured in for a night filled with basketball and Anatomy of Peace curriculum activities led by facilitator Renana Gal and super coach Vito Gilic. The action continued early Friday morning as the day kicked off with a twinning, proceeded with more fun curriculum workshops and even some fun in the sun on the beach.

On Friday afternoon, the Jewish girls from Bet Shemesh and the Arab girls from Hand in Hand School arrived. They played several 5 vs. 5 basketball games and also engaged in a unique curriculum session using artwork with facilitator Nissreen Najjar. The girls partnered up with a member from the opposite team and each created a drawing of the other. This activity really created a bond between the girls, as they were able to express their creativity and sensitivity toward one another in a more intimate setting.

Foul shots during one of the many basketball games going on!

Foul shots during one of the weekend’s many basketball games!

On the final day of the retreat we had a special visit from the Jewish team Holon and the Arab team from Usafiya. These teams have connected for twinnings on several occasions but were able to truly get to know one another as they played several mini games on mixed teams, and spent additional time together playing in a soccer match outside. Mai, one of the girls from Usafiya, commented “It’s really fun to twin with the Holon girls because they are really cool and it gives me a chance to meet other basketball players from different places.”

During breaks in the twinning, you could find the girls snapping pictures with one another and sharing food and laughter. It truly goes to show just how much sport and communication can bring people together.

Girls from Osaphiya and Holon chatting with one another during a water break

Girls from Usafiya and Holon chatting during a water break.

Yael, a participant from Holon echoed this thought as she stated, “I don’t care who I play with, I just love basketball. It doesn’t matter to me what someone’s religion is or if they are different from me. We connect through sports because in the end we are all people.” This describes the main goal that PeacePlayers tries to create through our everyday activities weekend retreats: To teach Arab and Jewish youth to see each other as people.

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