Issue No. 6 | April 28, 2020
Tonight we begin our celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut - Israel's Independence Day. More than 70 years ago, the state of Israel established its independence and, with it, creating a future of freedom. While today's circumstances will limit our options in celebrating as we historically have done, it will not prevent us from rejoicing and commemorating the freedom founded on this day in 1948 for the State of Israel.

If you are looking for a way to celebrate with the world, join ITEC and the Jewish Federation of North America for, "Worldwide Celebration Israel's Independence Day!" Starting at 2pm ET, join this hour long celebration with music, speeches, special appearances and more by uniting with the world to celebrate together!
WORLDWIDE CELEBRATION OF ISRAEL'S INDEPENDENCE DAY
pres. Jewish Federations of North America
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
2:00pm ET
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ITEC FAMILY MEMBERS WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

While we produce champions on and off the courts in our Centers, the true champions are those who serve, have served and died defending the State of Israel's independence. Their memories are ones that we especially hold dear on this special day.
We remember Dani Dry, born in Arad, who fell during operational activity in April 2001. Dani grew up right in front of the tennis courts of ITEC Arad, and at the age of 20 years old, participated in an operational activity in Bethlehem during the Intifada and was hit by a bullet of a sniper that killed him. He is forever memorialized by a monument at the Tennis & Education Center in Arad.
Since we were founded, more than 40 years ago, our mission has always been to to improve the lives of children, in one of the most conflicted regions of the world by teaching the life skills of self-reliance, perseverance and focus. With you help, we foster sustainable values of self-esteem, character and tolerance, creating a positive imprint on the children, their families, the communities and the world for generations to come. The Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion, recently sent us this letter, commending us for your and our efforts in making Jerusalem a better place with our presence.

Hans Felius, our ITEC National Tennis and Social Impact Director, continues in his mission in "Holding Serve," with his daily journal. Enjoy some of his entries from this past week:

April 23, 2020
"We are excited to have found a new way of communicating with students and these online sessions with Zoom are here to stay. Each day we hold sessions to help educate our students using new technologies. It is beautiful to see their faces, their growth and their improvements, not only with their tennis, but with their personalities, their confidence, their intellect and their overall development as a person. These are here to stay and only further showing the value we have in the lives of these children."


April 27, 2020
"Yom Ha’Zikaron started, Israel’s Remembrance Day, for its fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. Unfortunately, everyone in Israel has suffered a loss of a family member, a family friend, a close friend or combat friends in the 72 years of Israel’s existence. The siren at 8:00pm is always impressive and the country mourns as it remembers. The Israel Tennis & Education Centers is not immune to this loss. We have lost members of our extended family during wars and by terrorism. Today, while we celebrate independence, we also commemorate immortality of those who gave their life for it.

We will remember Dani...

We will remember, Yossi Zeitouni, of ITEC Jerusalem, who was killed in the Lebanon War in 1982...

We will remember, Zahar, a player of the Ofakim Tennis & Education Center, who was killed in a combat operation in 2004...

We will remember everyone....our dear children, our champions, who commanded life and a love for tennis for the greater good of the State of Israel."
Contact Jackie Glodstein
516-512-2062
Contact Yoni Yair
954-778-0940