Win or lose, in or out, long or in the net — whenever we pick up our tennis racquets, we are grateful for the opportunity to play this beautiful sport. Through our small, grassroots initiative, we hope to grant access to kids of all backgrounds, religions, races, and communities to be able to participate in the beautiful sport of tennis — to have fun, build cross-cultural bridges, develop life skills, make friends, and get the support they need.
Meet Almaz
At just 8 years old, Almaz has a smile that lights up every room. When she joined ITEC Jaffa through the Embrace Program two years ago, she was a quiet, cautious girl from one of Jaffa’s most underserved neighborhoods. Her family, with Ethiopian and Russian roots, faces the daily challenges of poverty and social isolation; realities that can weigh heavily on a child’s spirit.
For girls like Almaz, the Embrace Program is more than an after-school activity, it’s a lifeline. As ITEC’s most comprehensive and holistic initiative, it supports at-risk youth by creating a safe, nurturing environment where they can build confidence, resilience, and the skills needed for long-term success. From her very first day, Almaz connected to tennis and the caring coaches and peers who have become her second family.
Today, Almaz arrives at every session with a bright smile, eager to learn, play, and connect. Her enthusiasm and positivity have made her a beloved member of the group, and her coaches describe her as a quiet source of strength and kindness. Through her training and mentorship, she is learning to communicate with confidence, work as part of a team, and trust in herself, discovering a sense of belonging she never had before.
Meet Ori
When 11-year-old Ori Avraham first stepped onto the courts at ITEC Ashkelon, she barely spoke. She hung back, hesitant to engage, quick to let others take the lead. If she missed a shot, she’d lower her head and shrink into the background. It was clear— Ori didn’t believe in herself.
Born into a family from the Ethiopian community, Ori has faced challenges that go beyond the tennis court. Her parents, like many Ethiopian immigrants in Israel, have worked tirelessly to create a better future for their children, navigating financial struggles and cultural shifts along the way. For girls like Ori, opportunities to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and feel empowered aren’t always easy to come by.
That’s why ITEC’s Girls Empowerment Program has been life-changing for her. More than just tennis lessons, this program has given Ori something she never had before— a sense of belonging, a reason to push herself, and a growing belief that she can succeed.
At first, she was quiet and withdrawn, standing on the sidelines while the other girls chatted and played. But little by little, something changed. With every practice, every encouraging word from her coach, and every challenge she learned to navigate, Ori grew stronger. Now, she walks onto the court with her head held high. She encourages her teammates. She laughs and stays after practice to chat with her new friends. The girl who once doubted herself now believes she belongs.
Meet Eden
At just 11 years old, Eden has already faced challenges beyond her years. The youngest of seven siblings, she and her family immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia just four years ago, settling in a disadvantaged neighborhood in Jaffa. Adjusting to a new culture, language, and environment while facing financial hardships has been difficult for her family. When Eden first joined ITEC Jaffa, she was quiet and withdrawn and struggled to feel safe or confident in new settings.
Eden was introduced to ITEC through the Embrace Program, which focuses on giving children from immigrant and at-risk backgrounds a safe and supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and feel truly seen. For Eden, the Embrace program has become a place of stability and encouragement, a second home where she can confidently express herself, build friendships, and develop life skills. Over the past three years, she has become a positive presence on the court, approaching every session with energy and joy.