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As Israel celebrates 50 years of freedom of Jerusalem and Gush Etzion, the Elitzur Gush Etzion professional basketball team traveled to our community to practice their skills, improve their professionalism, strengthen their team spirit, and connect with our Jewish Federation. The results went beyond the expectations of the team members.
Five of the fourteen players had never been to the U.S. before, and even those who have been here were overwhelmed by the warmth and welcome they received wherever they went. The connections they made and the support they felt is what they are taking back home with them, along with the hopes that they can come back again and do more programming with and for our community.
While in our community from October 26 through November 1, the players and coaches were hosted by AABJ&D and the Union YM-YWHA. During their stay, they had the opportunity to see and meet with people from some of our community agencies, including Jewish Family Services of Central Jersey, the JCC of Scotch Plains, Golda Och Academy, and Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy.
The team practiced daily, ran clinics for the children and teens, and played three games in the community – against a men’s club team, a local high school team, and a team at the Union Y. Many community members came to watch and support our Israeli guests.
The week-long program was co-sponsored by our Federation Global Connections department and The Jewish National Fund. A member of the Israeli Association of Jewish Community Centers, specializing in sports delegations, accompanied the team and will be following up with some of the agencies visited to explore further living bridge experiences.