Sports for Soldiers
Israeli soldiers face immense pressures when in active duty, and are pushed to their physical and emotional limits on a daily basis. They suffer long shifts, injured friends and family members, and weeks on base while longing for home.
To boost the mental wellbeing of Israel’s soldiers when they are on leave, we regularly host groups of soldiers in a VIP box at professional basketball games in Jerusalem. Soldiers are treated to a spectacular view of the game, as well as a hot dinner and refreshments. We give Israel’s soldiers a chance to relax, recharge, and feel the support and appreciation of those they protect.
These nights out give Israel’s soldiers a way to unwind after a stretch of intensive service, and we have received countless words of appreciation and thanks from them. We ensure to regularly host Jerusalem’s Border Patrol soldiers who contend with the stress and dangers of terrorism on a daily basis. Many soldiers who attend come from disadvantaged backgrounds and cannot otherwise afford “luxuries” such as this. For them, the games represent some of the happiest memories of their army service!
Special nights are dedicated to hosting those soldiers who have been injured in the line of duty. It is a privilege to host these heroic young men and women who were forced to pay a heavy price for serving the State of Israel.
We also host lone soldiers (those whose families do not live in Israel, or who otherwise receive little financial help from them) at certain games. It is great to see these volunteer soldiers from all over the world come together to enjoy a game of basketball.
The concept of this project is simple, but it is a great way of showing Israel’s soldiers that their service is appreciated and that we support them!
After nights of training and operations, it was great to finally have an evening where my friends and I could relax and enjoy!
Kfir, infantry soldier
I think that this is a great program. It warms our hearts that you care and sponsor these nights for us.
Adam, squad commander
