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2026

Program Report Prepared for Lisa Bogatin

Program Report 2026 | ITEC

INDEX Introduction ITEC CEO Director of Social Impact Girls Empowerment Program Structure Center Manager Program Coordinator Partner School Yoga Component Program Photos Impact Story

5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15 16-17 18 19 20-21

Program Report 2026 | ITEC

Celebrating ITEC’s 50th Anniversary For 50 years, ITEC has been transforming lives and strengthening communities across Israel—and you are an important part of that story. Your partnership helps ensure that children have access to the opportunities, supportive relationships, and safe spaces they need to grow, build confidence, and thrive. As we celebrate this milestone year, we are deeply grateful to have you alongside us. Your support not only makes a difference in the lives of children today; it helps carry forward a legacy of opportunity, resilience, and belonging for generations to come. 50 YEARS of transforming lives through the power of sports and educaiton – using life skills learned through tennis to help children grown and thrive on and off the court 20,000+ CHILDREN participate in the wide range of social impact programs we offer that build self-confidence, empower the disadvantaged, and build bridges between disparate communities. 25 STRATEGIC LOCATIONS across Israel with an emphasis on forging deep community roots in underserved areas. $4.5 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS delivered annually help ensure that financial circumstances never determine whether a child can participate, grow, and pursue their potential.

500,000+ OF ISRAEL’s CHILDREN have graced our centers, discovered new pathways through tennis and education, and carried forward valuable life lessons along the way. 500+ GRADUATES have received full scholarships to U.S. colleges and universities, opening pathways to higher education and future opportunity. 50+ COMPETITIVE CHAMPIONS have risen through ITEC to compete on the national and international stage, proudly representing Israel around the world. ZERO TOLERANCE FOR BIGOTRY means every ITEC center is a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where children can flourish regardless of social status, religion, ethnicity, or background.

Eyal Taoz Global CEO Dear Lisa, 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

Program Report 2026 | ITEC

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 longterm 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 Dear Lisa,

Girls Empowerment Program Program Overview & Scope Currently, the program serves approximately 200 girls, ages 11–14, across 13 tennis centers nationwide. Participants attend activities twice a week, engaging in a structured program that combines sports training with a values-based life skills curriculum. In addition to regular training, the girls participate in weekly life skills workshops led by professional facilitators, focusing on key areas such as: • • • • •

Self-confidence and selfimage Leadership and personal responsibility Teamwork and communication Goal-setting and perseverance Healthy lifestyle

This integrated approach allows participants to experience success, build resilience, and develop essential life skills.

I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your tremendous ongoing and meaningful support of our unique program for at-risk girls. This program provides a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where girls can develop self-confidence, a sense of capability, and belonging. Many of the participants face significant emotional and social challenges, and the program serves as a stable and meaningful anchor in their lives. In response to the ongoing emotional challenges faced by the girls due to the prolonged security situation, we expanded our program this year. As part of this effort, 6 groups (73 girls) across 6 centers are now participating in dedicated yoga sessions. These sessions are led by certified professional instructors and are designed to support emotional regulation, stress reduction and inner balance and resilience. This component has become a significant addition to the emotional support framework we provide—currently reaching over onethird of program participants. In closing, thank you for your trust and partnership. Thanks to your support, hundreds of girls are given a real opportunity to grow, strengthen, and build a better future. Sincerely, Shuki Rajman Director of Social Impact Programs

Program Report 2026 | ITEC

Ongoing National Challenges Over the past year, the ongoing security situation has significantly impacted daily life in Israel. Many girls experienced instability, social isolation, and emotional stress. Within this reality, the program provides a safe and consistent space, with a strong emphasis on emotional support, open dialogue, and resilience-building.

Use of Funds Your support enables us to: • Operate activities across 13 centers • Employ professional staff and facilitators • Deliver life skills workshops and yoga sessions • Provide equipment and enrichment activities

Outcomes and Impact We continue to observe meaningful impact on the participants: • Increased self-confidence and sense of capability • Improved consistency and commitment • Stronger social connections and sense of belonging • High engagement and regular attendance The consistent participation—twice weekly—reflects the program’s importance in the girls’ lives. Looking ahead, we aim to expand the program’s reach, deepen its impact, and provide support to more girls in need of a meaningful and empowering framework. 9

Girls Empowerment Program National Reach Program Scope 13 Centers Nationwide | 192 Girls Served Implemented across diverse communities, including peripheral regions and high-need populations

Center

Coordinator

Participants

Jaffa

Uriel Lobsia

Haifa

Shahar Kama

Arad

Genia

Jerusalem

Ephraim Fine

Ashkelon

Raz Hershovitz

Tiberias

Eran Sabi

Beer Sheva

Rinat

Ofakim

Rinat

Yokneam

Shahar Kama

Sajur

Naram Assad

Akko

Zehava Aharon

Kiryat Shmona

Shlomi

Kochav Yair

Ravid Dorin

Program Report 2026 | ITEC

Girls Empowerment Program Curriculum The Girls Empowerment Program is a structured, multi-month journey designed to strengthen confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being among young girls. Through 25 guided sessions, participants develop practical life skills, build a strong sense of self, and learn how to navigate challenges in a complex and often overwhelming environment.

Laying the Foundation

The program begins with an initial assessment, allowing each participant to reflect on her current sense of confidence, resilience, and ability to cope with challenges. This baseline helps guide the process and measure meaningful growth over time.

Building Personal Resilience (Sessions 2–5)

Participants engage in a combination of physical activity and guided discussions to strengthen both mental and emotional resilience. They learn how to cope with setbacks, manage stress, and navigate conflicts at home and in social settings—gaining tools that help them remain grounded even in difficult moments.

Developing a Healthy Self-Image (Sessions 6–9)

In a world heavily influenced by media and social pressure, girls explore topics of body image, self-perception, and the changes that come with adolescence. Through open conversations and supportive guidance, they develop a healthier relationship with themselves—both physically and emotionally—while learning to set appropriate personal boundaries.

Fostering Personal Empowerment (Sessions 10–13)

The program places strong emphasis on self-awareness and recognizing individual strengths. Participants identify positive role models in their lives, begin to shape a personal vision for their future, and share their own stories within a safe and supportive group setting—building confidence and a sense of belonging.

Strengthening Social Skills (Sessions 14–17)

Girls learn how to communicate effectively, stand up for themselves, and build healthy, supportive relationships. Through practical exercises, they develop the confidence to express their opinions, set boundaries, and resolve conflicts constructively.

Tools for Coping with Challenges (Sessions 18–21)

Recognizing the pressures many children face today, the program introduces concrete tools for managing academic and emotional challenges. Techniques such as mindfulness, movement, and relaxation exercises help participants regulate stress and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Reflection, Growth, and Looking Ahead (Sessions 22–25)

The program concludes with a reflective process, where participants recognize how far they have come. Through group discussions and a final evaluation, they articulate personal insights, define future goals, and leave the program with a stronger sense of direction, confidence, and resilience.

Danny Mizrahi Center Manager Dear Lisa, As Manager of the Jerusalem Tennis & Education Center, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous support of our Girls Empowerment Program. For us, your contribution is far more than support for a sports initiative. It is a true partnership in an educational, social, and deeply meaningful effort that is transforming lives. The past year has been especially challenging. The war, ongoing attacks, and the general sense of uncertainty have affected all of us, including the girls participating in the program. During times like these, the simple and consistent routines become even more

meaningful: coming to the Center, meeting the staff, stepping onto the court, training, laughing, achieving their goals, and learning to navigate difficulties within a safe and supportive environment. For this reason, it was very important for us to resume activities as quickly as possible. We understood that returning to the court was not only a return to routine, but also a way to restore a sense of stability, security, and belonging. The Tennis & Education Center became a place where these girls feel supported and encouraged, with the confidence and space to grow stronger and realize their potential.

Program Report 2026 | ITEC

Throughout the year, we witnessed the program’s impact time and again. Girls who initially arrived hesitant and quiet gradually began to open up, participate more actively, attend consistently, and discover new strengths within themselves. Through tennis, they learn to set goals, overcome challenges, take responsibility, work as part of a team, and believe in their ability to succeed.

anchor, hope, and life skills that will stay with them long after they leave the court.

Thanks to your support, we are able to continue providing a meaningful framework that includes professional coaching, personal guidance, genuine care, and a dedicated team that knows each girl and recognizes the journey she is on. Your generosity allows us to offer them far more than tennis. It provides an

With sincere appreciation,

On behalf of the Jerusalem Tennis & Education Center, our professional staff, the families, and the girls themselves, thank you for your trust, compassion, and partnership. Your support is reflected in every practice session, every smile, and every sign of progress.

Dani Mizrahi Center Manager ITEC Jerusalem

Ephraim Fine Social Impact Coordinator Dear Lisa, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for your generous support of the Girls Empowerment Program at the Jerusalem Tennis & Education Center. Your partnership has been especially meaningful during a year marked by extraordinary challenges, enabling us to continue providing the girls with a consistent, supportive, and nurturing environment when they needed it most. The events of the past year created significant uncertainty and stress for many of the young people in our community. Against this backdrop, we recognized how important it was to restore a sense of routine and connection as quickly as possible. For many participants, the program became a source of stability and resilience, offering a place where they could take a break from daily concerns, focus on personal growth, and feel part of a caring community. As the Social Impact Coordinator, I have the privilege of working closely with the girls throughout the year and witnessing their development firsthand. Through tennis, group activities, and ongoing mentorship, we see them build confidence, form meaningful friendships, and develop essential life skills. With time, many participants become more engaged, more willing to take on challenges, and more confident in their ability to succeed. Your support allows us to provide far more than a weekly tennis practice. The program offers a comprehensive 14

framework that combines professional coaching, personal guidance, enrichment activities, and individualized attention from a dedicated team that genuinely cares about each participant’s well-being and growth. This holistic approach helps create an environment where every girl can feel respected, supported, and empowered. The impact is evident in countless ways. We see girls who initially arrive reserved and uncertain gradually become active participants in the program. We watch them develop stronger social connections, take pride in their accomplishments, and gain the confidence to pursue goals that once felt out of reach. For many of them, the program is not simply a weekly activity but an important source of encouragement, stability, and a stronger sense of self-worth. Through your support, these young women can experience success, discover their strengths, and develop a stronger sense of their own value and potential. Your support provides a foundation from which they can continue to grow, even during difficult and uncertain times. We would be delighted to welcome you to the Jerusalem Tennis & Education Center so you can meet the remarkable young women whose lives you are helping to shape. With deep appreciation, Ephraim Fine Social Impact Coordinator ITEC Jerusalem

Program Report 2026 | ITEC

Sarah Jacobson Partner School Dear Lisa, Yuvalim School would like to express our sincere gratitude for the tremendous contribution you make to our students through your support of the tennis program. Tennis provides our girls with opportunities for personal growth and empowerment, while exposing them to positive experiences, meaningful achievements, and opportunities to build confidence through success. Participation in the program helps develop social skills while encouraging perseverance, discipline, and commitment, all of which are especially important for our students. Through sports, the girls learn to work as a team, overcome challenges, and discover strengths they may not have recognized in themselves. The program offers them a meaningful opportunity to step outside their daily routines, experience a sense of belonging, and take pride in their achievements. We have no doubt that participation in tennis has a lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of our students. We are deeply grateful for your generosity, your compassion, and your commitment to creating opportunities for these young women. 16

We would like to share two stories that highlight the difference your support is making in the lives of young women in our program. One of our students is a 12-year-old girl, the youngest of three siblings. Her parents are divorced, and she lives with her father while maintaining only intermittent contact with her mother. This situation creates significant emotional challenges for her. She has been diagnosed with ADHD and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Both of her parents have remarried, and her mother has children from her second marriage. The changes within her family have been difficult for her to navigate and often contribute to feelings of emotional distress and instability. She faces significant emotional and developmental challenges. At times, she experiences intense emotional outbursts and overwhelming feelings of distress, including periods in which she has expressed thoughts of self-harm. She struggles with selfconfidence, often doubts her own abilities, and requires considerable encouragement, reassurance, and support from the educational staff. The tennis program has played an important role in helping her cope with these difficulties. Participation in tennis has strengthened her self-

Program Report 2026 | ITEC

confidence and provided a positive outlet for her emotions and energy. Since joining the program, she has become noticeably happier and more engaged. Each week, she returns from practice proud of her accomplishments and with a smile on her face. The program has become a source of joy, growth, and achievement in her life. Another student in the program also faces significant challenges and comes from a complex family background. She is the middle child in her family and has two siblings. Her parents are divorced and maintain a highly complicated relationship. She lives with her mother and sees her father regularly. The family is known to local social welfare services. This student struggles with significant emotional and behavioral difficulties. She often finds it challenging to accept boundaries and authority and has experienced periods of behavior that place both herself and those around her at risk. At times, she has expressed profound emotional distress and requires close guidance and support from the adults in her life. For her, tennis provides a safe and empowering environment. The program offers a healthy outlet for stress, opportunities to experience success, and a chance to build confidence and resilience. Through

regular participation and personal progress, she is developing a greater sense of stability, self-confidence, and hope. The group setting also helps foster positive relationships, a sense of belonging, and meaningful connections with supportive role models, all of which are especially important in her life. To conclude, for many of our students, and especially for the two young women whose stories we have shared, the commitment to attend, participate, and persevere in the program represents an important accomplishment. Your support enables us to provide not only a sports program, but also an emotional anchor, a sense of selfworth, and an opportunity for these girls to recognize their strengths and believe in their ability to succeed. Thank you for the tremendous difference you make in their lives. With sincere appreciation, Sarah Jacobson School Counselor Yuvalim School, Jerusalem

Girls Empowerment | Yoga The yoga sessions I lead for the girls create a special space where they can pause from the pace of daily life and reconnect with themselves. Through breathing, movement, and sound, they enter a state of calm and inner quiet. It is inspiring to see how open they are to the practice—they connect deeply to the sounds, the breathing, and the postures, and participate with great enthusiasm. During each session, a meaningful connection is formed between them. They learn to listen to their bodies, to be gentle and patient with themselves, and to give space to the emotions that arise. By the end of every session, the atmosphere is calm and uplifting. They leave with smiles, sharing how much they enjoyed it and how good it makes them feel—both physically and emotionally.

Program Report 2026 | ITEC

Impact Story | (Hebrew Translation) A. arrived at Yuvalim School with a long history of behavioral difficulties, both at home and at school. In both places, there was severe violence, both physical and verbal. She had also been through a social boycott at school that left her unable to trust the people around her, and she swung between extreme moods. Therefore, getting her to school at all was a struggle. At Yuvalim, she needed clear boundaries, paired with real warmth and one-on-one emotional support. Slowly, the violence went down on both sides. She began to find other ways to say she was upset. After about a year, she started tennis at the Israel Tennis & Education Centers. The beginning was hard. She moved awkwardly, held back, and struggled on the court physically and socially. Her coach at ITEC was the change she needed. He didn’t give up on her, and he didn’t let her walk away from a task once she started. She began to have small successes. Over time, the change became obvious in how she moved and in how she was with other children. First she managed to train with one partner. Later, she managed in a group of kids, which was what she had avoided most of all. The process changed her sense of self. She began to believe she was capable, and it went so far that she did not miss a single practice. We see it at school now, too. She believes more in her own strength; she is willing to try things she has never tried, and she takes part socially in a way she did not before. It has changed her mood and her life.

‫‪Program Report 2026 | ITEC‬‬

‫א‪ .‬בת ‪ 12‬וחצי הגיעה לבית ספר יובלים על רקע קשיים התנהגותיים בבית ובבית הספר‪ ,‬הכוללים אלימות‬ ‫שגרם לה לאבד אמון בסביבה‪ ,‬ונצפו אצלה תנודות קיצוניות‬ ‫שה פיזית ומילולית‪ .‬היא עברה חרם חברתי‬ ‫ק‬ ‫במצבי הרוח וכן קשיים בביקור סדיר בבית הספר‪.‬‬ ‫בבית ספר יובלים היתה זקוקה לגבולות ברורים מאוד‪ ,‬יחד עם הכלה וטיפול רגשי פרטני‪ .‬בהדרגה‪ ,‬רמת‬ ‫האלימות ירדה והיא למדה להביע את מורת רוחה בדרכים חלופיות‪ .‬לאחר כשנה החלה את דרכה במסגרת‬ ‫הטניס‪ .‬תחילת הדרך אפיינה קושי משמעותי ‪ -‬היא הייתה מסורבלת מאוד בתנועותיה‪ ,‬נמנעה‪ ,‬והתקשתה הן‬ ‫ברמה הפיזית‪-‬מוטורית והן ברמה החברתית‪ .‬עם זאת‪ ,‬בזכות התמדתושל המאמן‪,‬שלא ויתר עליה ולא אפשר‬ ‫ל ה ל ס ג ת מ ה מ ש ימ ה ‪ ,‬ה ח ל ה ל ח ו ות ה צ ל ח ות ‪ ,‬וע ם ה זמ ן ח ל ש יפ ו ר נ יכ ר ב ת פ ק וד ה ה מ וט ו ר י וה ח ב ר ת י‪,‬ב ת ח י ל ה‬ ‫הצליחה להתאמן בזוג‪ ,‬ובהמשך למדה להסתדר גם במסגרת קבוצתית דבר שנמנעה ממנו מאוד‪.‬‬ ‫התהליך תרם רבות לחיזוק הביטחון העצמישלה ולחיזוק תחושת המסוגלות ‪ -‬עד כדי כךשלא רצתה להפסיד‬ ‫א ף א י מ ון‪.‬‬ ‫ג ם ב ב י ת ה ס פ ר נ וכ ח נ ו ל ר א ו ת ש ינ ו י ב ת פ ק וד ה ‪,‬כ י ו ם ה יא מ א מ ינ ה י ו ת ר ב כ וח ו ת יה ‪ ,‬מ ע ז ה ל ה ת נ ס ו ת ב ד ב ר י ם‬ ‫חדשים‪ ,‬ופעילה יותר מבחינה חברתית דברשמשפיע על מצב רוחה לטובה!‬

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