Israeli and Palestinian Youth and Coaches Come Together on PeacePlayers International Exchange Program

Beginning this week, 32 Israeli and Palestinian youth and coaches, focused on building conflict resolution and leadership skills through basketball, will visit the United States for a ten-day cultural exchange. The program, organized by PeacePlayers International through a State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Sports Grant, is the culmination of a two year in-country leadership development program led by American athletes and educators.

Leading up to their U.S. visit, Palestinian and Israelis participants worked together to arrange basketball clinics and educational sessions meant to unite and inspire young people in divided communities. One of the coaches is part of the first group of Israeli and Palestinian players to win the championship in the Israeli women’s professional league.

The 25 youth and 7 coaches will visit New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. The participants will engage in workshops with an emphasis on conflict resolution, leadership, sports management, and will be part of basketball and mentorship programs with American youth. Upon returning home, the group will continue to receive leadership training and hands-on practice in facilitating inter-group sports and educational programs, sharing their experiences with hundreds of local children, and working together to create social change in their communities.