PeacePlayers 2023 Impact Report 5 18 (5) - Flipbook - Page 46
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— GLOBAL
GLOBAL SITES:
SITES: MIDDLE EAST –
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CATCHING UP WITH BELLA KOVNER
We had a conversation with Dr. Bella Kovner, PeacePlayers Middle
East’s brand new Managing Director, to hear her thoughts on the role
of PeacePlayers in offering an alternative to the intense challenges of
the region. Bella may be new to PeacePlayers, but she has decades of
experience working to improve the lives of children all over the world.
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
Bella: I’m Bella. I’m originally from Latvia. I came to Israel when I was a year and a half. For the last
10 years, I’ve been living back in Israel, after over 10 years working in Nepal, Cambodia, Albania,
China and Uganda. I now live in the same Kibbutz where I grew up, and I love raising my daughter
here. I also did a PhD at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, with a dissertation focused on
children’s rights and access to justice in conflict ridden areas. Another thing about me is I’m very
target oriented. When I want something, I’ll do anything in my power to pursue it.
COULD YOU SHARE A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHY YOU THINK PEACEPLAYERS MIDDLE EAST
EXISTS?
Bella: In order to have a peaceful and just society, in order to resolve this conflict, I think we need
to start with the youth. If youth will play together, if they meet, they’ll be able to find the solutions.
Because they’re the next generation, and they have the power to be the frontliners in their
communities and the society as a whole. And I think there’s no better way to do it than by sport,
which is something that unites people.
AS SOMEBODY WHO’S NEW TO THE ORGANIZATION, HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO
WITNESS ANY EVIDENCE OF IMPACT?
Bella: What I’ve seen so far is Palestinians and Israelis working together for the same cause. And
I think that the fact that you go to a basketball court and you see Jewish and Muslim and Druse
and Christian girls play together – It’s not something to take for granted. Maybe for someone from
the outside, [it wouldn’t seem like anything special]. But I know the reality. I know how tough it is,
especially now. So, to see something like that – it’s amazing. It doesn’t happen here [otherwise].
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