2024 PeacePlayers Impact Report FINAL-2 - Flipbook - Page 42
STRONGER THAN HATE:
HOW THE PEACEPLAYERS
ALL-STARS DEFY DIVISION
ON THE COURT
The PeacePlayers Middle East U14 All-Stars knew that this particular game would be
one of the toughest of the season. From the start, the opposing players made it clear that
the mixed Palestinian-Israeli team was unwelcome. They muttered taunts under their
breath, cursed, and singled out individual players. For Lin, a young Palestinian player,
the words cut deep. Halfway through the game, tears welled up in her eyes as she ran
down the court. At halftime, frustration weighed on the team. But then, Ofri, an Israeli
teammate stepped forward, gathering the team into a circle with 昀椀erce determination.
“Girls, we’re together. No matter what happens, we have each other,” she said 昀椀rmly.
“Don’t listen to what they say. This is our game, and everything is in our hands. We are a
team.”
In that moment, something shifted. The team felt a renewed sense of unity. It wasn’t just
about basketball anymore—it was about standing together. When the game resumed, Ofri
made sure to stand by Lin’s side. When another insult was thrown her way, Ofri didn’t
hesitate. “Shut up,” she shot back. “She’s my friend. Don’t say anything.” The All-Stars
played with heart, determination, and an unshakable bond. Despite the hostility in the
gym, despite the taunts, they won. Not just on the scoreboard, but in proving that their
team was stronger than hate. In the end, their unity was what carried them through.
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