More than 100 Jewish high school students from across the country, including a delegation from the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway High School, took part in a three-day leadership and cultural exchange program at Auburn University, in Alabama.
The trip was organized by Athletes For Israel, a nonprofit organization that uses sports and athletic leadership to foster education, Jewish pride and community engagement.
From Nov. 17 to 19, students from HAFTR’s girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball teams toured Auburn University’s athletic facilities and met with Auburn men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl and head coach Steven Pearl.
Seniors Olivia Weinrib and Mathew Vaysman have both been playing basketball since they were little and throughout their HAFTR career.
“We went to Auburn to experience what the Jewish life is around there,” Vaysman said. “We’re very grateful to Bruce Pearl for making this experience possible.”
Vaysman was the all-star player of the Auburn Invitational Athletes for Israel Experience and recommends basketball for all kids growing up.
“Basketball is a way to have fun with my friends and become part of a team that could last a long time,” he said. “Growing up with the same guys on the team and forming a connection with them has allowed me to make many connections.”
The group attended Auburn men’s and women’s basketball games against Jackson State and Georgia State and spoke with players from both teams about athletics, leadership and campus life.
Weinrib said her favorite part of the trip was watching practice and seeing how everything is run from the inside.
“On the last night we went to a game,” she said. “It was cool to see the atmosphere in the school.”
Weinrib was the first recipient of the Bruce Pearl Impact Award for her involvement in raising awareness for Israel.
“Basketball is a way of bringing people together,” Weinrib said. “Not only do you make friends with the people on your team, but on tournaments you hang out with other teams because of the sport.”
One highlight of the weekend was “Bagels with Bruce,” a discussion hosted in partnership with Auburn Hillel, where Bruce Pearl spoke with students about leadership, identity and advocacy. Pearl, who has been outspoken on issues affecting the Jewish community, answered students’ questions and shared his experiences as a coach and public figure.
Daniel Posner, chairman and founder of Athletes For Israel, said the Auburn visit highlighted how sports can serve as a platform for leadership development and community engagement.
“Over three days, students built relationships, participated in service, and connected with leaders who emphasize pride, resilience and responsibility,” Posner said.
He started Athletes for Israel six years ago and knew they needed to reach hundreds of millions of people who are miseducated on Israel.
“I thought the best way to do that was through something that bridges the gap and that’s through sports,” he said. “Sports is something that enables you to get beyond that echo chamber and it doesn’t matter your religion or skin color. It unifies people and bridges gaps.”
Beyond athletics, the program emphasized service and connection. Students participated in local community service projects, including packing food and supply boxes for people experiencing homelessness, spending time with children with special needs, and supporting area nonprofit organizations.
“The goal for the Auburn experience is not about playing basketball,” Posner said. “It’s about learning and being educated about how to be an activist for Israel. It’s about leadership and how do we connect to people outside our small bubble through sports.”
