Peace and reconciliation through Rugby in Israel

Since our last update in June, the coexistence program in Israel has continued to progress and create lasting change for the children.  The programme uses rugby, and its key values, to promote communication, respect, and coexistence between different cultures.

The programme is focused in the Haifa region, with 4 schools and 74 pupils involved, 40% of which are girls.  The hope is to hold 6 joint sessions a year.  The previous joint sessions have been very successful, with the majority of children enjoying the sessions and making new friends from it.  Most importantly, the children are exposed to new cultures and are learning to respect other cultures.

In the future, the coexistence programme plans on having both a Hebrew and Arab speaking coaches at all their sessions, so that children can have role models, and learn to respect both cultures.  They also intend on expanding their focus from just rugby, and bring in educational specialists to talk to the children before rugby training.  This way they can hold workshops with the children on communication skills, health and nutrition, hygeine, and gender equality.

With your continued support, the coexistence program can continue to change the lives of children in Israel, and promote respect and communication between different cultures.