Uniting Communities Through Sport
In Haifa, a city of cultural diversity, sport is proving to be a powerful tool for unity. Our Tag Rugby for Coexistence Programme brings together Jewish and Arab children, fostering friendships, teamwork, and mutual respect through the game of rugby. Now in its third year, the initiative has evolved to address key challenges, ensuring a deeper and more lasting impact. By engaging pupils at a younger age and promoting structured collaboration between schools, we are breaking down social barriers and creating a generation that values coexistence.
Development Goals
Education
Peace
Equality
Situation
Despite living in the same city, many children from Jewish and Arab communities rarely have the opportunity to interact in a meaningful way. Ongoing conflict has deepened social divisions, making these connections even more challenging. Language barriers and cultural misunderstandings often prevent young people from forming friendships outside their own community, reinforcing a sense of separation from an early age.
Solution
To address the challenges of social division, the Israel Coexistence Programme has implemented several key strategies designed to build understanding, cooperation, and long-term friendships among Jewish and Arab children. Recognising the importance of early intervention, the programme engages pupils from the age of 11, allowing them to connect through play before social biases take hold. This approach has proven highly effective, with younger participants displaying greater enthusiasm, openness, and a willingness to collaborate.
A crucial element of the initiative is the introduction of bilingual coaching, with an Arabic-speaking coach working alongside a Hebrew-speaking coach. This model not only improves communication but also serves as a powerful symbol of cooperation and mutual respect, reinforcing the values the programme seeks to instil.
To further promote interaction, joint school sessions have been introduced, bringing together pupils from different backgrounds for team-building activities, mixed rugby drills, and small-sided games. These sessions emphasise teamwork over competition, ensuring that children play together rather than against one another. Additionally, staffroom talks provide teachers with insights into the programme’s objectives, enabling them to support and reinforce its values within their schools.
The initiative also includes inter-school tournaments, where pupils can showcase their progress and celebrate their achievements. A number of participating schools have also taken part in the National Tournament at Wingate Institute, an experience that has been particularly meaningful for children from low-income backgrounds who may never have had the opportunity to play in such a prestigious setting. Through these combined efforts, the programme is creating a foundation for long-term social change, fostering friendships and understanding that extend beyond the rugby pitch.
Testimonials
In the heat of the game, an Arab pupil, while defending, tripped a Jewish pupil who was sprinting towards the try line. As the attacker fell to the ground, there was a brief pause. But instead of walking away or celebrating the stop, the defender immediately ran to the try line, extended his hand, and sincerely apologized.
It was a simple gesture—one that lasted only a few seconds—but it spoke volumes.
At its core, the Israel Coexistence Programme is about more than just sport—it is about shaping a future built on unity and understanding. Our goals include:
- Developing coexistence by bringing Jewish and Arab children together through a shared activity.
- Encouraging teamwork, respect, and leadership through structured rugby sessions.
- Promoting gender equality by ensuring boys and girls play together in a safe and supportive environment.
- Expanding the programme to include both Year 5 and Year 6 pupils, allowing older participants to develop leadership skills by mentoring younger players.
Every donation directly supports the growth and sustainability of this programme. Funding is used to cover:
- Coaching & Training – Providing skilled, bilingual coaches who can create an inclusive learning environment
- Transport & Logistics – Ensuring pupils can attend joint sessions and tournaments, removing financial barriers to participation.
- Equipment & Resources – Supplying rugby balls, training gear, and programme T-shirts to create a sense of belonging and pride.
- Educational Support – Organising staffroom talks and leadership training to expand the programme’s impact beyond the playing field.
Impact
Education
Exposure to different cultures is crucial in shaping young minds. Thanks to the programme:
✔️ 69.3% of pupils were introduced to cultures different from their own.
✔️ 64.6% reported that playing with peers from different backgrounds made them think more positively about the “other”.
By building direct interaction and teamwork, the programme helps dismantle stereotypes and build mutual understanding.
Peace
Peace remains a vital and urgent mission for the Israel Coexistence Programme, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in the region. Through the Israel Coexistence Programme, young people from Jewish and Arab communities come together on the rugby pitch, building bridges in a place often marked by deep divisions. By using sport as a universal language, the Israel Coexistance Programme helps build peaceful coexistence and empowers the next generation to see beyond division, united by shared values of teamwork, resilience, and hope.
Equality
Looking for Long Term Impact? Make a Pledge
By investing in long-term solutions, we can help break cycles of conflict and empower future generations. But this impact is only possible with consistent, reliable support. Today, we’re asking you to make a pledge to back sustainable growth. Your commitment to a pledge fuels our project to transform lives and build peace among communities far beyond the short term.
Be Part of the Change
The Israel Coexistence Programme is proving that sport has the power to unite communities, build friendships, and create lasting social change. However, to continue this impact, we need your support. Donate today to make an impact.