Israeli-Palestinian Youth Running Teams

Project Details

Separated in almost every aspect of life, Arabs and Jews in Jerusalem fear and see each other as enemies. Against a backdrop of an overarching and escalating political conflict, and with virtually no opportunities to meet and interact, the two populations suffer mutual everyday acts of violence. But reaching them at this pivotal age can lead to a tipping point: it can change their views, deepen their understanding, and facilitate constructive interaction with the respective other. Therefore, a shared sports program for Jewish and Arab youth from East and West Jerusalem, working together for a common cause, is unique and meets a pressing need in the city.

Runners Without Borders’ Youth Teams Program aspires to encourage tolerance and build trust as well as cooperation between Arab and Jewish teenagers, relying on the universal values of sport. It seeks to promote hope and belief in the prospect of a shared life by spreading the message of its Youth Program’s activities to a broad audience.

The youth program consists of a Arab - Jewish running team for girls and boys, aged 15-19 from East and West Jerusalem. The team meets once a week for 11 monthy (December - October) to practice with professional trainers.