PeacePlayers 2023 Impact Report 5 18 (5) - Flipbook - Page 47
— PEACEPLAYERS ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT —
WHAT DOES PLAYING BASKETBALL BRING TO THE TABLE FOR KIDS?
Bella: Basketball is good for your mental and physical health. It empowers children, and supports
their mental growth, their resilience, and bridges between communities. I think it’s really the
best methodology for peacebuilding. You know, I was doing my PhD research on encounters of
Palestinian children from East Jerusalem with the Israeli law enforcement and justice systems. Well,
these kids are staying in jail until the end of the legal proceedings. They’re removed from school,
from their families, for a process that can take years. What will become of this kid as an adult? But
we saw that in the neighborhoods in East Jerusalem where kids had afternoon activities, there
was less engagement with Israeli law enforcement and justice systems. This just emphasizes the
importance of recreational activities for youth. And if we can do something that will protect those
children, that will really help them gain a better future, it will also help society at large. So I think
that what PeacePlayers does has a huge impact.
A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD ARE GROWING UP IN INCREASINGLY
DIVIDED SOCIETIES. HOW CAN SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS BASKETBALL MAKE A
DIFFERENCE IN THIS?
Bella: We’re part of an ecosystem of different organizations all working towards the same final
goal but with different approaches and different target populations. Some focus on governance and
advocacy. Some work with women. We work with youth through sports. It’s a joint effort. That’s
the only way that we will be able to have a sustainable impact. And the second part of the answer
is working with youth. I think this is the future. This is the only way to address social problems.
So if you empower them, if you help them to find the right way, that will be the path that will lead
everyone else behind them.
IS THERE SPECIFICALLY SOMETHING ABOUT BASKETBALL THAT CAN ALSO HELP THIS
PROCESS?
Bella: I think it’s group play. It gives you a feeling of being part of a group, and a sense of group
accomplishment. If you play together, if you win together, it’s the best feeling. And if you can feel
that, you can overcome anything.
If you play together, if you win
together, it’s the best feeling
AND IF YOU CAN FEEL THAT,
YOU CAN OVERCOME ANYTHING.”
-Bella
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