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Majdal Shams, a Druze town in Israel’s Upper Galilee, marked a momentous occasion this month as the Israel Tennis and Education Center (ITEC) officially inaugurated its satellite branch on the town’s sole tennis court.
The festive event drew hundreds of children and parents, offering the community a chance to celebrate resilience and hope one year after the tragic Hezbollah rocket strike on the town’s soccer field, which claimed the lives of 12 children and teenagers.
The celebration featured a wide array of activities, including tennis stations, workshops using recycled rackets and balls, face painting, and inflatable attractions, allowing children to engage creatively while enjoying the benefits of physical exercise.
Dolan Abu Saleh, head of the Majdal Shams Local Council, attended the event, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the community and ITEC. He noted that such initiatives help foster joy, resilience, and a sense of unity.
Speaking at the event, Abu Saleh said he was deeply moved to witness the community come together. He highlighted that sports not only offer entertainment but also provide strength, courage, and a platform to build a united and healthy society.
Founded in 1979, ITEC has been a cornerstone of youth development in northern Israel, blending sports excellence with value-based education. Its new branch in Majdal Shams will extend these resources and programs to local children.
Through ITEC, children will have access to structured tennis training, educational activities, and mentoring opportunities, allowing them to grow not only as athletes but as well-rounded individuals equipped with life skills.
Basel Shofani, head of the Majdal Shams ITEC Satellite Center, has been a longtime resident and tennis enthusiast. His leadership is expected to ensure that programs remain both professional and deeply connected to the local community.
Shofani described the center’s launch as a “full-circle moment” for him. Having grown up playing tennis, he is committed to giving back and providing young residents with the same support and opportunities he received.
Eyal Ta’oz, CEO of ITEC, stressed that opening this branch reflects the organization’s broader commitment to community development. He described the center as a safe space for learning, growth, and enjoyment, where children can acquire skills that will benefit them for life.
The timing of the inauguration carries additional significance. It coincides with the first anniversary of the Hezbollah rocket strike on Majdal Shams’ soccer field, a day that remains etched in the town’s collective memory.
For many in Majdal Shams, the tennis court has become a symbol of resilience. Amit Awidat, who lost his cousin and two close friends in the attack, shared that tennis provided him a personal refuge, offering comfort and purpose during a difficult year.
“After the incident at the soccer field, I felt that tennis was my safe place,” Awidat explained. “It gave me a lot of purpose and comfort.” His words reflect a broader community sentiment, where sports serve as a vehicle for healing and renewal.
The festival demonstrated that the tennis center is more than a sporting facility. Through creative workshops, games, and physical activity, children and families are encouraged to engage actively, fostering bonds and reinforcing a sense of normalcy after a period of trauma.
ITEC’s programs in Majdal Shams will combine professional tennis training with value-based education, teaching children teamwork, discipline, resilience, and leadership. These lessons are designed to extend beyond the court into all aspects of life.
Local council collaboration ensures that programs remain accessible and relevant to the community’s needs. Abu Saleh expressed gratitude for the partnership, noting that it allows the town to invest in its youth while promoting mental and emotional recovery.
Sports and education are central to ITEC’s philosophy. By integrating tennis training with workshops, mentoring, and educational activities, the organization aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals capable of facing life’s challenges with confidence and determination.
The ITEC Majdal Shams branch represents a significant milestone for the town. It establishes a permanent, structured environment for children to thrive, while also symbolizing a broader message of resilience, hope, and community solidarity.
Looking ahead, Shofani and the ITEC team are optimistic about the impact of the center. They anticipate nurturing not only athletic talent but also the personal development of each child, creating a foundation for future community leaders.
The event also highlighted the power of local engagement. Hundreds of families participated in activities, expressing joy and appreciation for the safe, inclusive space provided by ITEC, reinforcing the role of sports in community cohesion.
In a region often challenged by conflict, the opening of the ITEC branch underscores the potential of sports and education as tools for healing, empowerment, and long-term development.
Through this initiative, Majdal Shams is creating a model for other towns in northern Israel, demonstrating how structured programs in sports and education can foster resilience and community growth after traumatic events.
As the town embraces this new chapter, the tennis court stands as a beacon of hope, reflecting the community’s determination to rebuild, nurture its youth, and look toward a flourishing sporting and educational future.
The Israel Tennis and Education Center’s presence in Majdal Shams promises not only athletic development but also the restoration of confidence, unity, and optimism within the community, serving as a lasting legacy for generations to come.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members