On Sunday, March 29th, eight teams of American and Israeli teens gathered in the Chicagoland Jewish High School gym to play for a cause- Israel.  “This is what we’re all about,” says Miriam Brosseau, Shorashim’s High School Program Manager.  “It’s bringing Israelis and Americans together- and what better way to do it?”

The day began with the teams shooting hoops and listening to Israeli dance music to warm up.  Gabe Axler, Shorashim’s Director of High School Programs, then gathered the group on the bleachers and introduced the afternoon.

“Kiryat Gat has had a tough year,” Gabe recalled.  “It sits within firing range of the missiles from Gaza.  And that’s what makes today so much more meaningful- we have a group of Israeli teens here from that city, we’ll play some basketball, and help make some positive change in Israel.”

Four teens from Kiryat Gat then stepped up and introduced themselves.  They were visiting the States as part of a JUF-sponsored program called Kolot, which also focuses on philanthropy and teens making a difference in Israel.  They talked about what the program meant to them, and how amazing it was to be a part of the games that day.

Finally, the celebrity referee and guest speaker, Lavon Mercer, got up to introduce himself.  Coach Mercer spent fourteen years in Israel, playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv, serving in the army, and eventually becoming a citizen and raising two children there.

“People don’t understand Israel, they don’t see it as it really is,” reminded Coach Mercer. “It’s up to you to tell them the truth.”

Then the games began.  The teams of three integrated Americans from Chicago and Israelis from Kiryat Gat.  The tournament was guest-reffed by Brad Sugar from the Jewish Student Union and Sid Singer from the Chicago Foundation for Jewish Education.  Friends and fans watched and cheered from the stands, or headed to the nearby cafeteria to nosh on pizza, sing karaoke, listen to Israeli music, and play Guitar Hero. 

At the end of the afternoon, Team Tiddlywinks from CJHS won the tournament on their home court.  They received Maccabi Tel Aviv t-shirts signed by Coach Mercer, but all the teams walked away knowing they had done something unique and meaningful.

“I can’t wait to do it next year,” remarked Stu Sufrin, a freshman from Evanston High School who filmed the event.  “It was awesome!”

Shorashim’s Club Israel announces March Madness for Israel: The First Annual Teen Charity Basketball Tournament- register your team today!

Sixteen teams of three will play on behalf of Chicago’s Partnership 2000 city, Kiryat Gat.  Teams will be joined by Israeli players straight from Kiryat Gat!  In addition to some exciting games, the event will feature food, music, and our celebrity referee and guest speaker, Coach Lavon Mercer!  Coach Mercer, formerly of the San Antonio Spurs, lived in Israel for fourteen years, playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv and serving in the IDF.  “Israel’s Biggest Ambassador” (he stands at 6′10″) now coaches at Spelman College and speaks about his experiences around the country.

March Madness for Israel will take place:

March 29th, 2009

1:00-4:00pm

at the Chicagoland Jewish High School Gym

1095 Lake Cook Road

Deerfield, IL 60015

Each team is asked to pledge a minimum of $180 on behalf of the JUF Israel Emergency Campaign in order to participate.  All funds raised will be dedicated to youth initiatives in Kiryat Gat, Chicago’s Partnership 2000 city.  To register your team, or for more information, email Gabe by March 22nd: gabe@shorashim.org

This event is brought to you by Shorashim’s Club Israel and the JUF/Hillel Israel Initiative.