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Athletes for Israel: Bridging Cultures and Combating Antisemitism One Trip at a Time

BYU delegation at Al-Aqsa Mosque. In a world increasingly shaped by social media influence, polarized discourse and public opinion, one organization is using an unexpected yet profoundly powerful tool to combat antisemitism and reframe public perception of Israel: athletics. Athletes for Israel was founded six years ago with a bold mission — to leverage the […]

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BYU delegation at Al-Aqsa Mosque.

In a world increasingly shaped by social media influence, polarized discourse and public opinion, one organization is using an unexpected yet profoundly powerful tool to combat antisemitism and reframe public perception of Israel: athletics.

Athletes for Israel was founded six years ago with a bold mission — to leverage the global reach of professional and collegiate athletes to promote a deeper understanding of Israel and challenge rising antisemitism and misinformation. By organizing transformative trips to Israel, the organization provides professional athletes from the NBA, NFL, MLB, Division 1 college teams, and more with an up close and personal experience of the country’s history, diversity and complexity, an experience they are then inspired to share with millions of followers around the world. As Athletes for Israel founder Daniel Posner shared, “The goal is that by using their platform, these athletes can reach hundreds of millions of people who are uneducated about Israel and shine a positive light on it.”

BYU delegation at the Dead Sea.

For many non-Jewish individuals, “The only way to understand Israel is to visit it and see it for yourself,” said Posner. “I could tell you until I’m blue in the face that Israel is a diverse country, that 20% of Israelis are not even Jewish, that 60% of Israelis are from the Middle Eastern countries like Iraq, Iran or Egypt. But until you see it for yourself, until you see the freedom of religion, until you see the melting pot that Israel is, until you see the people and meet the people and have a real cultural exchange, it’s really hard to describe and to really internalize.”

With the mission of conveying this information to athletes and, by extension, to the world, Athletes for Israel began bringing professional players and college teams to Israel.

AFI began bringing college athletes to Israel when Posner was introduced to Bruce Pearl, Auburn University’s head basketball coach. As Posner told the story, “He’s a big Israel advocate, and he said to me, ‘Daniel, I have this dream, I want to bring my team to Israel.’ I said, ‘Coach, we’re gonna help your dream become a reality.’ Six months later, we brought the entire team to Israel, along with ESPN, which brought an entire camera crew. All of the games that they played in Israel against Israeli teams were televised on ESPN, reaching millions of people.” As Pearl shared after his experience, “We are a misunderstood people, Israel is a misunderstood land, and the best way that we can increase our understanding of it is to come visit. The experience speaks for itself.”

The following year, AFI brought the basketball teams of University of Arizona and Kansas State University to Israel. Since Oct. 7, volunteer missions have been set into motion. Most recently, Athletes for Israel traveled with a delegation of Brigham Young University (BYU) football co-captains. BYU has a population that is 97% Mormon/LDS, and most of its students know very little about Judaism, antisemitism and Israel. BYU’s football team is one of the top 15 football teams in the country, and some of its players will be moving on to the NFL in the coming years.

BYU delegation at the Kotel.

These athletes traveled with AFI on a one-week trip to Israel in early May. The trip was divided into three sections. First, religious and historical exploration: the delegation visited the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Western Wall, the City of David, and more. Second, cultural exchange: for example, volunteering and service in underprivileged communities. Third, Israeli society in a post-Oct. 7 world: Kibbutz Be’eri and the Nova Festival site, for example. A particular highlight of the trip was Friday night dinner in Jerusalem; the athletes had the opportunity to experience Jewish culture and traditions and compare them with their own connections to their religion and faith.

“The idea behind each one of these trips,” Posner articulated, “is not just to impact each one of the participants, but also for them to use their platform to advocate and spread the knowledge they’ve gained about Israel, what it is and what it isn’t.” At the end of the week, the delegates attend a debriefing dinner, replaying the events and experiences of the trip. The crucial question is as follows: What are you going to take back with you?

For one athlete, the lesson was clear: “I came to Israel not knowing anything. I’m coming back understanding the story of Israel and how misunderstood it is, and why, since Oct. 7, Israel has to fight a war even though they don’t want to fight in wars. They have to protect their citizens. They’re fighting against the terrorist organization called Hamas, which is committing horrible atrocities, and we need to support Israel.”

BYU delegation arriving in Israel.

Before and after each trip, the delegates complete a survey regarding their knowledge on Israel and antisemitism and their experiences; “All of them give enormously high praise and excitement about being involved and excited about telling their stories,” according to Posner. “I think they feel more conviction in their religion. I think they feel more conviction in terms of their support and interest in supporting Israel.” These experiences are not easy to forget, and the hope is that these athletes will bring the emotions associated with the experience back home with them. This feedback makes the entire trip worthwhile, as Posner shared, “We have a real return on our investment. We invest in them so that we can reach a broader community.”

Athletes for Israel, originally inspired by Robert Kraft and AIPAC, believes that social media has a massive impact on public opinion. “If we’re going to invest in combating antisemitism, we need to bring people who have platforms to Israel … we need more people to come and see it with their own eyes.” Posner saw the work being done to turn the tide and said, “We need to do more of this, not just in the political realm.” Sports and entertainment truly are the social fabric of the U.S., and the online platforms of athletes and artists have a substantial influence on politics, especially among Millennials and Gen Z. “We need to make sure that popular culture is with Israel. The one way to do that is by bringing sports stars, athletes and influencers to Israel to help them understand and educate them so that they can educate others,” added Posner.

In its six years, and especially in the aftermath of Oct. 7, Athletes for Israel has reached tens of millions of people. In Posner’s view, “If we reach only the Jewish community, we’ve failed. Our goal is to reach a spectrum of people, which is not the 10% of the people that are with us, not the 10% of the people that hate us or hate Israel. It’s the 80% of the people in the middle who aren’t educated and don’t want to be involved. Sports is the way to connect with them and get them invested.”

As AFI’s mission statement details, “we can together change the narrative and combat antisemitism.” To learn more about Athletes for Israel, visit athletesforisrael.org.


Eliana Birman is the assistant digital editor for The Jewish Link. She is a rising sophomore at Barnard College and lives in Teaneck.





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Iran strike crew members graduated from Nellis AFB’s Weapons School, top general says

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — “Most” of the crewmembers involved in the attack on one of the nuclear sites in Iran were graduates of the Air Force Weapons School based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Gen. Dan Caine detailed the background of the crewmembers involved […]

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“Most” of the crewmembers involved in the attack on one of the nuclear sites in Iran were graduates of the Air Force Weapons School based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

Gen. Dan Caine detailed the background of the crewmembers involved in the strikes on the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant during a Pentagon briefing Thursday on the attacks dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer.

Caine told reporters that the crews who attacked Fordow were active duty Air Force and members of the Missouri Air National Guard, “and most were graduates of the Air Force Weapons School, headquartered at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.”

RELATED | Lawmaker briefed on Iran weighs in on claims of nuclear obliteration

“I will state for the record that there is no beach volleyball or football at the Air Force Weapons School,” he joked, appearing to reference the “Top Gun” film franchise about Naval fighter pilots.

There were men and women aviators in the mission, Caine said, and the crew members’ rankings ranged from captain to colonel.

According to the Air Force website, the Weapons School “trains tactical experts and leaders to control and exploit air, space and cyber on behalf of the joint force.”

About 150 weapons officers and enlisted tacticians graduate from the school every six months, the website states. They go on to serve as instructors and advisers to military leaders at all levels.

The Weapons School has 21 weapons squadrons and eight advanced instructor courses. Thirteen of those squadrons are based at Nellis Air Force Base.



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Para-athletes, emerging talent shine at University of Michigan inclusive track meet

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan is set to host the 2025 Miller Family Open Track and Field Meet, an inclusive competition for athletes with and without disabilities. The event, taking place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, offers a unique opportunity for storytelling and imagery to showcase the incredible talent of adaptive athletes. […]

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan is set to host the 2025 Miller Family Open Track and Field Meet, an inclusive competition for athletes with and without disabilities.

The event, taking place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, offers a unique opportunity for storytelling and imagery to showcase the incredible talent of adaptive athletes.

The meet will bring together para-athletes, athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and non-disabled competitors from institutions such as the University of Michigan, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of Alabama.

Emerging competitors ages 14 and up are encouraged to participate, as the meet also serves as a talent identification event.

This open-format meet is a World Para Athletics and Move United-sanctioned qualifier for the 2025 Move United and USA Track & Field Nationals.

The event is part of the Guardian’s Adaptive Student Athlete Program (ASAP), which aims to expand access to competitive sports for college-level athletes with disabilities.

The event will take place at the University of Michigan Track and Field Stadium, located at 2540 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, and is open to the public.

Challenging perceptions of athleticism

Beyond showcasing the dedication of adaptive athletes, the meet reflects the efforts of Dr. Oluwaferanmi Okanlami and the U-M Adaptive Sports and Fitness program to challenge traditional perceptions of what it means to be an athlete.

Now in its second year, the Miller Family Open Track and Field Meet continues U-M Adaptive Sports’ partnership with organizations such as Athletes Without Limits, Virtus, Move United, and USA Track & Field, creating competitive opportunities for a diverse range of athletes.

In addition to established national and international athletes, emerging competitors ages 14 and up are encouraged to participate, as the meet also serves as a talent identification event.

The event is part of the Guardian’s Adaptive Student Athlete Program (ASAP), a national initiative in partnership with the University of Michigan’s Adaptive Sports and Fitness program, which expands access to competitive sports—including track and field, wheelchair tennis, and wheelchair basketball—for college-level athletes with disabilities.

ASAP works to break down barriers to participation by increasing awareness, accessibility, and support for adaptive athletics.

Admissions to the event are free.

Additionally, a special ceremony will recognize donors from recent giving campaigns, with a surprise gift planned for incoming student-athletes.

The event starts at 9:30 a.m., and doors will open at 7:30 a.m.

  • Events will feature the 100M, Open 100M, 200M, 400M, 800M, 1500M, 3000M, and Universal Relay (4*100M)

  • Long jump, high jump, javelin, shot put, discus, and club

Copyright 2025 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.



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AVP Contender beach volleyball event starts Friday with qualifying in Virginia Beach – The Virginian-Pilot

The Association of Volleyball Professionals is returning to Virginia Beach for its second “Contender” event of the season, featuring some of beach volleyball’s rising stars. The winners and runners-up in the $60,000 event at 12th Street and Atlantic Avenue will receive wild-card berths into the AVP’s Manhattan Beach Open in August. Qualifying is set for […]

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The Association of Volleyball Professionals is returning to Virginia Beach for its second “Contender” event of the season, featuring some of beach volleyball’s rising stars.

The winners and runners-up in the $60,000 event at 12th Street and Atlantic Avenue will receive wild-card berths into the AVP’s Manhattan Beach Open in August.

Qualifying is set for 9 a.m. Friday, with the 24-team main draws to follow Saturday and Sunday.

Also this weekend in Virginia Beach is the AVP Juniors 4-Star Mid-Atlantic Championships.

The men’s top seeds are Derek Bradford of Porter Ranch, California, and Evan Cory of Metairie, Louisiana, while the women’s top seeds are Maya Gessner and Jacinda Ramirez.

Three men’s pairs have a local player.

**Shawn Yoder of Virginia Beach is playing alongside John Valeiras of Richmond.

**Brett Rosenmeier of Virginia Beach is partnered by Nick Drooker of Henrico.

**Ayden Keeter of Yorktown is playing with Carson Barnes of Ocean View, Delaware.



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Mountain West Announces 2025 Outdoor Track & Field Student-Athletes of the Year – Mountain West Conference

Colorado Springs, Colo. – A trio of field performers have been named the 2025 Mountain West Outdoor Track & Field Student-Athletes of the Year after a vote by the league’s head coaches. Air Force’s Texas Tanner earned the honor on the men’s side, while Colorado State’s Mya Lesnar and Fresno State’s Cierra Jackson were selected as co-recipients […]

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Colorado Springs, Colo. – A trio of field performers have been named the 2025 Mountain West Outdoor Track & Field Student-Athletes of the Year after a vote by the league’s head coaches. Air Force’s Texas Tanner earned the honor on the men’s side, while Colorado State’s Mya Lesnar and Fresno State’s Cierra Jackson were selected as co-recipients for the women.

The honor is awarded to the best male and female student-athlete(s) in the Conference following the conclusion of the outdoor season.

A native of Sheridan, Wyoming, Tanner earned first-team All-America honors in the hammer throw at the 2025 NCAA championship after finishing fourth with a throw of 75.22 meters, becoming the first Falcon in 60 years to secure All-America honors in a men’s throwing event. He added a 20th-place finish and All-American Honorable Mention honors in the discus at the national meet.

The performance capped an outstanding year for the junior that saw him capture 2025 Mountain West titles and meet records in both the hammer throw (73.23m) and discus (63.59m), while setting the Conference’s all-time record in the hammer throw at 75.83 meters during the regular season. Tanner was named the MW Men’s Field Performer of the Meet for a second consecutive year and earned USTFCCCA Men’s Mountain Region Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year for the second time in as many seasons.

On the women’s side, both honorees came away with national titles at the 2025 NCAA championships.

Lesnar finished her stellar Ram career winning the shot put on her first attempt with a throw of 19.01 meters, becoming the first CSU thrower to win both an outdoor and indoor national title after her 2024 indoor shot put gold medal. Prior to the national championship, Lesnar picked up a second consecutive Mountain West shot put title at the 2025 Conference championship meet and set the Conference’s all-time record in the event in Fort Collins in May with a throw of 19.60 meters. The Alexandria, Minnesota, native was also named the 2025 USTFCCCA Women’s Mountain Region Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year.

Jackson, a Chandler, Arizona native, made history for Fresno State, capturing the program’s first outdoor title and the Bulldogs’ first NCAA title in 26 years with her gold in the women’s discus. The senior’s opening throw of 65.82 meters set a national meet record and proved to be the winning throw, earning her first-team All-America honors. Jackson also added an eighth-place finish in the shot put (17.70m) to garner a second first-team nod in Eugene. At the 2025 Mountain West championships, she took silver in the both the hammer throw (65.50m) and shot put (17.77m), finishing on the podium in both events for a second a straight year.





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Chaminade volleyball adds 9 players

Chaminade women’s volleyball coach Kahala Kabalis Hoke announced her nine-player recruiting class for the 2025 season on Wednesday. Division I transfers Audrah Radford (6-2, outside hitter, Utah State) and Alizaysha Sopi (6-2, OH, Tennessee State) are among the group. Sopi is a Kapolei graduate. The class includes three incoming freshmen from local high schools. They […]

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Water Polo Releases 2025 Schedule

Story Links 2025 Fordham Water Polo Schedule Bronx, N.Y. – (June 26, 2025) – Coming off the team’s most successful season in program history, the four-time defending MAWPC champion Fordham Rams have released their 2025 schedule for the upcoming water polo season.   The schedule […]

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Bronx, N.Y. – (June 26, 2025) – Coming off the team’s most successful season in program history, the four-time defending MAWPC champion Fordham Rams have released their 2025 schedule for the upcoming water polo season.   The schedule has the most challenging run to date for the Rams, featuring 13 contests against opponents that received votes in the final poll of 2024, including four that participated in the National Collegiate Championship.
 
Right out of the gate, Fordham will be in the Bruno Classic, August 30-31, taking on MIT and Harvard on day one in Providence, Rhode Island, while taking on Pacific and LIU on day two in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
 
Week two will be a special one for the Rams at the Princeton Invitational, September 6-7.  Fordham will open Saturday’s action against the defending national champion, UCLA, followed by an exhibition contest against Ferencvaros (FTC) a Hungarian-based club team that recently won the Champions League.  Fordham then completes the weekend of competition on Sunday against Santa Clara.
 
After an off week, the Rams start MAWPC league play with three road contests, September 20-21.  Fordham plays at Mercyhurst on September 20th, while matching up with Bucknell and Mt. St. Mary’s the following day at the Bison Invitational.
 
Starting on September 27th, Fordham will have five straight home contests beginning with N.C.C. participant Princeton coming to the Messmore Aquatic Center for the start of a home-and-home series with the match at Princeton slated for November 1st.  The Rams will also face Wagner later that day in a league match.  Fordham is also scheduled to host Iona on October 10th, as well as MAWPC opponents Navy and George Washington on October 11th.
 
The Rams then have their longest road trip of the season to the west coast from October 21-26.  The trip begins on October 21st with a road game at Long Beach State, who the Rams defeated in last year’s N.C.C. quarterfinals.  Two days later, Fordham makes the trek to Berkeley for a highlight match-up against Cal on October 23rd
 
Fordham will then participate in the annual Julian Fraser Memorial Tournament in Santa Clara, California.  On October 24th, the Rams face UC Merced, while the following day will have another highlight match against fellow 2024 N.C.C. semifinalist Stanford on October 25th.  The trip then concludes against San Jose State on October 26th.
 
Following the second match with Princeton, the Rams then return to league play with road games at George Washington (Nov. 2), Navy (Nov. 2), and Wagner (Nov. 7).  Fordham then has their final four regular season games at home, starting with a tripleheader on November 8th against Bucknell, Mt. St. Mary’s, and Mercyhurst to conclude MAWPC play.  The home finale will be on November 15th against Brown.
 
The regular season leads to the 2025 MAWPC Championship, which will be held, November 21-23, at Fordham University’s Col. Francis B. Messmore Aquatic Center in the Bronx, as the Rams will look for their fifth consecutive championship and another N.C. Championship berth.
 
The N.C. Championship is set for December 5-7 at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.



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