Israeli Sports Stars Engage Youth in Anti-Bullying Initiative

As the new school year begins, prominent figures from Israeli sports will participate in "Changing the Rules of the Game," a nationwide initiative running from September 6-10. The program aims to connect youth with sports figures and channel personalities to combat bullying and boycotts.

Athletes and TV presenters will visit various youth groups across Israel, including Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva, Ra'anana, Jerusalem, and Haifa. Participants will represent diverse segments of Israeli society, encompassing secular and religious youth, at-risk teens, youth league players, and both Jewish and Arab teenagers.

The core idea of "Changing the Rules of the Game" is to engage young people through the relatable world of sports. By incorporating training sessions, group activities, and discussions with inspiring sports personalities, the project seeks to equip teenagers with essential life skills and values such as resilience in the face of pressure and failure, a sense of belonging, friendship, responsibility, and empathy. These are skills intended to help them navigate daily challenges at school, in society, and online.

Yaron Segev, CEO of RGE Group, stated that the media group has been actively involved in combating bullying among children and youth for five years through various campaigns and educational programs. He emphasized the decision to meet young people on their turf, alongside sports figures, to promote values of friendship, responsibility, and caring for others.

The initiative is supported by the Histadrut (General Organization of Employees in Israel) and the Amal educational network, in collaboration with the "Five Fingers" movement, which is responsible for the professional content and sports activities. Karen Tal, CEO of Amal, highlighted the importance of quality education and how the project integrates sports methodologies to enhance this educational work, providing students with tools for resilience, teamwork, and standing up for others. Amir Menachem, founder of "Five Fingers," added that sports teach invaluable life lessons beyond competition, fostering resilience, responsibility, and leadership through experiential learning.