Israeli Sports Leader Highlights Soccer’s Diplomatic Power and Calls for National Unity Through Teamwork
Eight Arab nations, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco, participated in the 2022 World Cup, marking a historic high for the region. Meanwhile, Israel remained absent from the tournament, isolated both on the field and diplomatically. This exclusion underscores Israel’s ongoing struggle to leverage sports as a platform for international presence and influence, especially compared to its Olympic achievements two years prior.
Bat-El Jarbi, CEO of the nonprofit "Values in Sports," emphasizes that football is not just a game but a diplomatic branding tool and a microcosm of broader societal dynamics. She argues that Israel’s failure to qualify reflects deeper societal divisions and a lack of cohesive teamwork, both on and off the field. Jarbi leads the "Team Play" initiative, in partnership with the President’s Office, which promotes community resilience and social cohesion through sports, particularly in communities affected by the October 7 attacks and the "Iron Swords" war.
Drawing on her military background as a combat fitness officer and her experience in Israeli high-tech, where teamwork forged in elite military units drives success, Jarbi stresses the importance of building strong social bonds through sports. She recounts how sports clubs in southern Israel supported displaced children and families during recent conflicts, helping maintain normalcy and mental health amid crisis.
Jarbi praises the current Sports Ministry under Minister Miki Zohar for its professional management during wartime, including rapid resumption of leagues and financial support for youth clubs. Despite political differences, she acknowledges the ministry’s efforts to depoliticize sports administration and foster cooperation.
As a woman leader in a traditionally male-dominated field, Jarbi highlights progress in gender inclusion within Israeli sports management, citing key female figures in senior roles. She is also beginning doctoral studies on the relationship between sports, fans, and society, underscoring her commitment to integrating sports values with social responsibility.
Jarbi’s personal story, from her upbringing in a Moroccan-Israeli family in the periphery to her leadership roles, reflects her broader vision: sports as a unifying force that builds identity, leadership, and opportunity for all children, transcending divisions and enabling Israel to compete on the global stage both athletically and diplomatically.
