Since 1976, the Israel Tennis & Education Centers (ITEC) have grown into one of Israel’s leading social service organizations, transforming lives through the power of sports and education. More than 500,000 children have graced our centers, carrying forward invaluable life lessons that helped shape their futures.
Today, ITEC operates in 25 strategically located centers and satellites, reaching virtually every geographic and demographic sector across Israel. Positioned primarily in underserved communities, our centers are safe havens where children come together to develop skills and values that enable them to overcome hardship, respect one another, and play—and live—in harmony.
The Need
Children are Israel’s most precious resource—yet too many grow up facing social, economic, and geographic barriers that limit their ability to discover and realize their potential. Without safe, inclusive environments and consistent mentorship, these children are denied access to the skills, values, and resilience they need to overcome hardship and build healthy, productive lives.
The Purpose
At ITEC, we ensure every child in Israel has access to opportunity. We believe that every child—regardless of their social status, religious affiliation, ethnicity, or cultural background—deserves the chance to discover the innate potential that burns within and to pursue their own individual life journey with confidence and dignity.
The Way
Through the unparalleled life lessons of tennis, combined with education, mentorship, and community, ITEC creates safe, supportive environments where children grow and thrive. We use tennis and social impact programming to teach discipline, perseverance, and self-belief. In doing so, we serve as a powerful equalizer, helping children overcome hardship, learn to live in harmony, and carry forward life lessons that shape their futures.
Thank you for supporting the children in Israel!
Eyal Taoz Global CEO
Dear Mark & Sheila,
In my role as CEO, I have seen firsthand the impact of your support on the lives of children and families across Israel. I personally cherish and appreciate your partnership and generosity which is reflected in the resilience and hope we see at our centers.
As we reflect on the recent two and half years, we have navigated unprecedented challenges. Facing the realities of an ongoing war, we have been called upon to operate not just as a sports organization, but as a critical pillar of support for our community.
This has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging periods in our organization’s history. From the sudden disruption of daily operations and the
necessity of closing centers in high-risk areas, to the personal toll taken on our staff members, some of whom lost their homes, we have faced challenges that threatened our continuity.
Yet the resilience of the ITEC community has been our hallmark. By prioritizing safety and adaptability, we have ensured that our centers remained beacons of stability, providing a vital sense of normalcy to thousands of children and families during a time of extreme uncertainty.
The most significant sign of our success is that children continue to show up at our centers. We have maintained high attendance rates where it is safe to do so and continued to provide tennis education alongside critical social impact programs and mental health
support. This adaptability has proven that our infrastructure is resilient and that our staff is capable of extraordinary performance under pressure. We are not just surviving; we are upholding our commitment to excellence.
Our mission to use tennis as a tool for social development, fostering coexistence, and empowering youth from all backgrounds is more urgent today than ever before. In a society currently grappling with division and trauma, ITEC serves as a rare, neutral ground where values like discipline, inclusion, and mutual respect are cultivated daily. We are building the next generation, equipping them with the confidence needed to overcome challenges that extend far beyond the court.
This sustained impact is directly tied
to the unwavering commitment of our donors and partners. Your support is the vital resource that allows us to expand our operations, provide emergency relief to our affected staff, and ensure that no child is left behind due to the crisis. With your partnership, we are ensuring that ITEC remains a national asset, capable of meeting current needs while laying the groundwork for long-term growth.
As we move forward, we are strengthened by your trust. Thank you for standing with us, believing in our purpose, and helping us turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.
With deep gratitude,
Eyal Taoz Global CEO
Shuki Rajman
Director
of Social Impact Programs
Future Leaders
Program Overview & Scope
The Israel Tennis & Education Center in Beer Sheva works in partnership with the Husidman Youth Science Center to bring Ethiopian-Israeli youth, grades 7–9, together for STEM eduation.
Number of Participants at Start of Year: 19
• 15 students continued from the previous year
• 4 new students joined this year
Number of Participants at End of Year: 16
• 3 students discontinued participation due to attendance below 46%, in accordance with program policy
Scope of Activity: Two weekly program days
• Academic Enrichment Day –Husidman Center
• Mental & Sports Development Day – Israel Tennis & Education Centers
Dear Mark & Sheila,
As Director of Social Impact at the Israel Tennis & Education Centers, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for your many years of support for our unique social impact program: Future Leaders.
The Future Leaders program aims to develop leadership skills and academic ability in youth from Israel’s Ethiopian community in grades 7-9. Those admitted to the program are offered classes to improve their mathematical and scientific thinking, literacy, critical reading and writing, computer coding, social skills, and personal empowerment.
The program combines tennis training to help development essential life skills, based on the belief that sport is a powerful educational tool. Over the years, the program has demonstrated many successes and exceptional outcomes. Participating children and youth show significant progress in their social, emotional, and athletic development.
This program is designed for Israeli students of Ethiopian descent, a population that has faced longstanding social and educational disparities despite its rich cultural heritage and deep commitment to community. Many Ethiopian-Israeli families immigrated to Israel during large waves of Aliyah in the 1980s and 1990s, fleeing persecution and seeking a better future. While
progress has been made, students of Ethiopian descent continue to face systemic barriers, including limited access to gifted education programs and underrepresentation in advanced academic tracks, particularly in STEM fields. Our program is here to help close those gaps and provide more opportunities to our youth.
Another important piece of this program is that each group is accompanied by a social impact coordinator who provides a broad personal and educational support system. ITEC staff are required to exhibit extraordinary emotional intelligence so that every child is seen, heard and nurtured according to his/her needs.
This focus on every child as a world unto themselves, helps us to identify issues affecting every facet of a child’s development and guide them accordingly. The program is far more than a sports framework—it is a safe space for growth, belonging, and personal development.
Nearly three years of conflict have significantly affected the lives of these children, many of whom have experienced prolonged periods of instability and time spent at home. Within this reality, returning to structured activity through the program provides a vital anchor, both physically and emotionally.
In addition to the ongoing activities, special emphasis is placed on emotional dialogue, processing experiences, and strengthening personal resilience, reflecting a deep understanding of the children’s needs during this time.
We thank you for your trust, commitment, and partnership. Thanks to your support, we are able to continue providing hundreds of children and youth with a real opportunity for growth, development, and positive change in the course of their lives.
Sincerely,
Shuki Rajman Director of Social Impact Programs
Future Leaders Program Components
Academic Component
The academic componenet takes place at the Husidman Center within the “Da Vinci” enrichment framework, which offers students early exposure to the academic world and university level learning.
Each student selects four enrichment courses annually (two per semester) from a diverse range of disciplines, including:
• Medicine
• Robotics
• Python programming
• Capital markets
• Genetic engineering
• Science and mathematics
• Language and communication
In addition, students receive individual tutoring and academic reinforcement in core subjects, delivered by university students. This component strengthens academic performance while fostering familiarity with higher education environments.
Mental Health and Sports Component
The second weekly activity day is held at ITEC Beer Sheva. Students arrive via organized transportation—often one of the few stable routines in their week—and are divided into two rotating groups.
Through professional tennis training,
students experience a safe and structured environment where effort is rewarded, failure is normalized, and perseverance is built step by step.
Tennis becomes a powerful educational tool for:
• Processing frustration and disappointment
• Developing discipline, patience, and self-control
• Experiencing success earned through effort
• Rebuilding trust in themselves and their abilities
Parallel to the sports training, students participate in mental-emotional group sessions led by Asaf Barel, a mental coach, lecturer, and group facilitator with over a decade of experience working with thousands of children and adolescents.
In a post-war context, these sessions provide something rare and essential: a safe space to speak, reflect, and grow.
The mental-coaching program consists of 25 weekly sessions, each lasting 45 minutes, and is structured around four core components:
• Experiential and dynamic activities
• Guided group discussion that normalizes emotions and shared experiences
• Practice of applied mental tools
• Reflection, feedback, and real-life integration
Core content areas include emotional resilience, stress and failure management, rebuilding self-confidence, interpersonal communication, boundary setting, social
Future Leaders
media harm awareness, and the creation of personal vision and future goals.
Rather than abstract theory, the program focuses on daily, practical tools that help students regain a sense of control, strength, and direction.
Key Processes and Outcomes
Attendance
A clear policy of responsibility and persistence was implemented:
Students with attendance below 46% were required to commit to improvement or discontinue participation. This process:
Among participants, noticeable improvements were seen in:
• Increase in self-confidence
• Strengthened sense of belonging
• Improved ability to persist
Future Leaders Summary
Activity Summary
Husidman Center
Year opened with a joint meeting for parents and students.
Students enrolled in the Da Vinci program at Ben-Gurion University
Courses included:
• Medicine
• Science in the kitchen
• Mathematics
• Neuroscience
• Python
Each student participated in: 2 courses per semester (4 total annually)
Additional Activities:
Workshops on dreams and aspirations
Inspirational session with Dr. Avi Yitzhak (Assuta Medical Center)
Interview preparation workshop Laboratory experiences at the university
Program Interruption:
Some activities were postponed due to the outbreak of war and resumed afterward
Executive Summary Mid-Year Insights
Formal assessment demonstrates significant improvement across all core indicators:
• Self confidence: +42%
• Anger and emotional regulation: +53%
• Sense of belonging: +47%
• Goalsetting and future orientation: +56%
Key Impact Areas Identified:
1. Self-Confidence and Coping
• Improved self-belief
• Better ability to handle challenges
• Increased goal-setting and persistence
2. Social Skills
• Stronger sense of belonging
• Improved conflict resolution
• Enhanced teamwork and helping behaviors
3. Emotional Regulation
• Improved ability to manage stress
• Better coping with failure
4. Program Experience
• High satisfaction
• Participants view the program as a safe and supportive space
Future Leaders
Program Goals
The Future Leaders program is designed to create a comprehensive developmental framework for youth through the integration of:
• Academic excellence
• Emotional and mental resilience
• Leadership development
• Personal responsibility
• Self-efficacy
• Sports-based education and values
Overarching Goal:
To provide youth with practical tools to shape their future while strengthening their belief in their ability to succeed—regardless of their background.
Yaniv Skira Center Manager, ITEC Beer Sheva
Dear Mark & Sheila,
I want to thank you for your support and partnership in the Future Leaders program. As the Manager of the Israel Tennis & Education Center in Beer Sheva, I see the unique value of the program not only in its activities but also in its broader impact on youth and the sense of stability it provides.
During the last three years with the ongoing war, this program is so meaningful as a lifeline for children experiencing heightened emotions of fear and anxiety. The program’s continuing into its second year ensured the children could find stability and belonging during a time of uncertainty. I see youth developing not only soft skills such as commitment and resilience but also the ability to envision a broader future for themselves.
The program is led with care and intention by Social Impact Coordinator Rinat Morduch. While Rinat is still new in her role, she is already thriving at building connections with the children, their parents, and community partners. As a certified mental coach and body-mind therapist, Rinat brings a thoughtful, professional approach, integrating therapeutic tools into participants’ daily experience. She works in
close collaboration with program facilitator Asaf Barel, alongside Nitzan and Sigal from the Husidman Youth Science Center, ensuring a well-rounded and supportive framework for each student.
Through this dedicated team, highachieving youth, facing significant mental and emotional pressures, are translating their potential into meaningful individual and group outcomes.
One example of this impact is Shilat, a 14-year-old participant who has been part of the program for two years. She is studying medicine and geology at the Husidman Center, where hands-on learning has sparked a strong sense of curiosity and ambition. The way the program has strengthened her self-confidence makes everyone involved excited to see what she accomplishes in her adult years.
On behalf of the center, the parents, and the students, thank you for your trust, your commitment, and your investment in the future leaders.
With appreciation,
Yaniv Skira Center Manager, ITEC Beer Sheva
Rinat Morduch Program Coordinator, ITEC Beer Sheva
Dear Mark & Sheila,
My name is Rinat Morduch, Program Coordinator at ITEC Beer Sheva and Ofakim, and this is my first year leading the program.
I would like to thank you for the privilege of being part of the Future Leaders program and to share the deep meaning of your support for the youth.
This year, we worked with 19 youth. Behind this numbers are real young people. Youth who are searching for someone to see them, to believe in them, and to remind them of what is possible in their lives.
That is exactly what Future Leaders is all about. Unlike other STEM programs, ITEC uses tennis as a tool for developing emotional strength, self-belief, and the ability to navigate challenges both on and off the court. This helps the kids be mentaly and emotionally resillient when they’re tasked with complex scienece and math initiaitves at the Husidman Center.
In this past year alone, I saw youth set goals, persist through difficulty, cope with frustration, and break through internal barriers. Through a trauma-informed
and deeply supportive environment, students are not only challenged, but truly supported.
For many of the youth in this program, this kind of opportunity is not a given. They come from communities where access to quality education, extracurricular frameworks, and consistent support systems is limited.
For me, it is a privilege to witness how this kind of environment can shift a young person’s trajectory—opening doors, expanding what they believe is possible, and creating pathways that might not otherwise exist.
Change only happens when donors like you make a difference in their lives. . Your support is not simply funding—it is access, opportunity, and a powerful message to each child: you are seen, you are capable, and someone believes in you.
Thank you for being true partners in shaping not only the present—but the future.
With deep appreciation,
Rinat Morduch Program Coordinator, ITEC Be’er Sheva
Success Story: Uriya (Age 13)
Uriya, an 8th-grade student and firstyear participant, brings a story of inner strength, early maturity, and inspiring growth.
She enjoys reading, cooking, music, and building Lego—reflecting creativity and depth.
Two years ago, Uriya lost her mother to cancer at age 11. This loss deeply shaped her world. She took on emotional responsibilities beyond her age and internalized her struggles.
Before the program, she was introverted and closed off, struggled to trust others, and felt socially distant.
Joining the program created a new space for her. Through the year, especially through sessions with the mental coach, she experienced profound change:
• Easier connection with others
• Formation of meaningful friendships
• Increased confidence at school and home
• Ability to express emotions
She shares: “I learned that I can achieve what I want.” Today, she dreams of attending university—studying law, architecture, or interior design. “The program gives children confidence… thank you for helping me be whole with myself.”
Success Story: Yahav (Age 13)
Yahav, an 8th-grade student in his second year, initially struggled with:
• Low self-confidence
• Social challenges
• Fear of rejection
His dream was simple: to have real friends. Being accepted into the program opened a new belief in his future. Through mental coaching and group support he became more open and communicative, built strong friendships, and developed confidence and self-belief.
Today he feels socially secure, believes in his potential, and dreams of becoming a pilot or doctor.
He shares: “I learned I have the ability to do what I want… Asaf helped me see who I really am.”
His message to donors: “Thanks to you, the program helps children grow… thank you for the huge change in my life.”
