US College Basketball Team Visits Israel for Goodwill Games
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
Maccabi Rotstein Ashdod hosted Allen University from South Carolina for a joint training and exhibition game, aiming to combat antisemitism and racism through sports. The visit, funded by the Foreign Ministry and Max Project, involved exclusively African American players from the U.S. college. Organizers emphasized sports' ability to connect cultures and build bridges between communities, particularly strengthening ties between Israel and the African American community in the U.S.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Ashdod hosted Allen University from South Carolina for a goodwill basketball game.
- The visit aimed to combat antisemitism and racism by promoting tolerance through sports.
- The initiative was funded by the Israeli Foreign Ministry and the Max Project.
- Organizers highlighted sports' role in connecting cultures and building bridges between communities.
- The event featured exclusively African American players from the U.S. college.
Despite security concerns forcing many Israeli sports teams to play home games abroad, Maccabi Rotstein Ashdod hosted a joint training session and exhibition game on Wednesday with Allen University from South Carolina. The visiting team comprises exclusively African American players. The visit, funded by the Foreign Ministry and Max Project, aimed to combat antisemitism and racism while promoting tolerance through sports.
Eric Rubin, an oleh (immigrant to Israel) who moved on October 7th and now resides in Tel Aviv, is the driving force behind the initiative. He stated, "Our mission is to fight antisemitism, racism, and intolerance through sports. Bringing a Black college to Israel, African American players to play against a professional team with American and Israeli players, white and Black, touches my heart and shows that sports connect people." He added that the experience would be unforgettable for the players, most of whom had never left the U.S. or played professionally.
Ashdod's captain, Robert Turner, who is from South Carolina, expressed his pleasure in hosting people from his home region. "It was a great honor to talk to these young players, to explain to them what a wonderful place Israel is and how much they love us here," he said.
Ronen Harel, the club's chairman, emphasized the honor of hosting an American college, especially during a time when few foreign visitors come to Israel. He believes this connection will lead to future positive developments for the club and the city of Ashdod.
Eitan Weiss, the Israeli Consul General to the Southeastern United States, highlighted sports as a tool for connecting cultures, communities, and nations. He explained that Allen University, an HBCU (Historically Black College or University), was invited by the Consulate General of Israel in Atlanta in collaboration with Eric Rubin and Professor John Ives. The goal was to strengthen ties between Israel and the African American community in the U.S., using basketball as a common language to share values like teamwork, excellence, perseverance, and mutual respect.
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