How did Israel become a top-ranked lacrosse team. What challenges does the sport face in Israel. Can lacrosse help strengthen Jewish identity. How is Israel developing native talent in the sport.
Israel’s Unexpected Ascent in International Lacrosse
In a surprising turn of events, Israel’s national lacrosse team has emerged as a formidable contender on the global stage. Ranked seventh among 30 teams in the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship, Israel’s performance has raised eyebrows and sparked interest in this relatively niche sport within the country.
Despite lacrosse being a sport played by few in Israel, the national team’s success is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Israel Lacrosse Association. This organization, based in Ashkelon, has been instrumental in developing the sport since its founding in 2010.
The Growth of Lacrosse in Israel
How many Israelis actually play lacrosse? According to recent estimates by the Israel Lacrosse Association, between 300 and 400 Israeli children and teens are currently engaged in the sport across the country. While these numbers may seem modest, they represent significant growth over the past decade.
- Israel’s national lacrosse team is primarily composed of American-born Jews
- Two out of 23 players on the men’s national team are Israeli natives
- The women’s national team includes one native Israeli player
Ian Kadish, Executive Director of Israel Lacrosse, sees these developments as a meaningful increase in the sport’s popularity. He notes, “We are now getting to a really exciting point in our organization where a lot of that leadership and a lot of that energy is coming from native-born Israelis.”
Cultivating Native Talent: The Future of Israeli Lacrosse
The focus on developing homegrown talent is evident in the composition of Israel’s youth teams. Yakov Silberlicht, Israel Lacrosse’s director of youth development and the men’s team captain, highlights an impressive statistic: the under-21 men’s team that competed in Ireland last summer featured 19 native Israelis out of 23 players.
Similarly, the women’s under-21 team, preparing for the U21 European Lacrosse Championships in Prague, is almost entirely composed of Israeli players. This shift towards native talent is a source of motivation for Silberlicht, who states, “That’s what gets me fired up and makes me tick and gets me out of bed every morning, is just opening that door and offering the opportunity to those young [Israeli] men and women to be able to play for our national teams.”
Comparing Lacrosse to Other Sports
How does lacrosse participation in Israel compare to other countries? Even in regions where lacrosse is more prominent, such as Canada and the Northeast United States, it remains a niche sport compared to baseball, football, and basketball. A study by the Aspen Institute revealed that in 2019, 466,000 Americans aged 13-17 played lacrosse, compared to over 2 million baseball players and more than 3 million basketball players.
Israel’s Impressive Achievements in Lacrosse
David Wiseman, who tracks Israeli sports for his popular Facebook page Follow Team Israel, commends the progress made by Israel Lacrosse. He emphasizes the opportunities it has created, particularly for female athletes, stating, “The fact that they can get it flourishing in Israel is remarkable. They’ve punched above their weight by like 3 million percent.”
Israel’s success in lacrosse extends beyond player development. The country has also begun hosting international tournaments, including:
- The 2018 men’s international championship
- The 2019 Women’s European Championship
During the 2018 men’s championship, which was the largest-ever contest with 46 participating teams, Israel offered free tours of Jerusalem to the teams and their delegations, showcasing the country’s commitment to promoting both the sport and cultural exchange.
Personal Journeys: How Lacrosse Builds Connections to Israel
The stories of individuals like Yakov Silberlicht and Ian Kadish illustrate how lacrosse has become a unique pathway for strengthening Jewish identity and connections to Israel.
Yakov Silberlicht’s Story
Originally from Utica, New York, Silberlicht, now 31, has lived in Israel for a decade. His journey to Israel was unexpected, as he initially had little interest in visiting the country. However, an opportunity to play lacrosse in Israel after college graduation led to what was meant to be a year-long stay evolving into permanent residency.
Silberlicht’s experience in Israel went beyond sports. He served in the Israel Defense Forces in a combat role from 2015 to 2017, further deepening his connection to the country. Reflecting on his journey, he notes, “My Jewish identity wasn’t super strong growing up. I think that that’s partially because something like Israel Lacrosse didn’t exist. Had I had something like [Israel Lacrosse] to relate to and to identify with, I think that it could have stuck a little bit more and been meaningful to me.”
Ian Kadish’s Path to Israel
Kadish, 27, from Salt Lake City, Utah, had a similar introduction to Israel Lacrosse. Growing up, he “could not have cared less” about Judaism or Israel. However, his involvement with lacrosse opened up a new world of Jewish identity and connection to Israel.
The Impact of Lacrosse on Jewish Identity
Can sports like lacrosse play a role in strengthening Jewish identity? The experiences of Silberlicht and Kadish suggest that sports can indeed serve as a powerful tool for connecting young Jews to their heritage and to Israel.
By providing a tangible and exciting way to engage with Israel, lacrosse offers a unique opportunity for individuals who might not otherwise have strong ties to their Jewish identity. This approach has proven particularly effective in reaching young people who may be more interested in athletics than traditional religious or cultural activities.
Building Bridges Through Sport
The Israel Lacrosse Association’s efforts go beyond simply developing athletic talent. By hosting international tournaments and offering cultural experiences to visiting teams, the organization is using sport as a means of cultural exchange and diplomacy.
These initiatives not only promote lacrosse in Israel but also help to create positive associations with the country among international athletes and spectators. This soft power approach can contribute to improved perceptions of Israel on the global stage.
Challenges and Opportunities for Lacrosse in Israel
While the growth of lacrosse in Israel has been impressive, the sport still faces several challenges in gaining widespread popularity. What obstacles does lacrosse need to overcome to become more mainstream in Israel?
- Limited awareness: Many Israelis are unfamiliar with lacrosse, making it difficult to attract new players and fans
- Competition from established sports: Soccer, basketball, and other popular sports dominate the athletic landscape in Israel
- Infrastructure development: Building facilities and providing equipment for a relatively new sport can be costly
- Coaching expertise: Developing a pool of knowledgeable coaches to train young players is an ongoing challenge
Despite these challenges, the success of the national team and the growing interest among young Israelis present significant opportunities for the sport’s future in the country.
Strategies for Growth
To capitalize on the current momentum, the Israel Lacrosse Association could consider the following strategies:
- School programs: Introducing lacrosse in physical education classes to expose more children to the sport
- Community outreach: Organizing clinics and demonstrations in various cities to raise awareness
- Media partnerships: Collaborating with sports channels to increase coverage of lacrosse events
- Youth development: Expanding existing youth programs to nurture talent from an early age
- International exchanges: Facilitating more opportunities for Israeli players to train abroad and for international coaches to visit Israel
The Future of Lacrosse in Israel: Potential and Prospects
As Israel’s national lacrosse team continues to perform well on the international stage, what does the future hold for the sport in the country? The combination of recent successes, growing youth participation, and increased international recognition suggests a bright future for lacrosse in Israel.
The Israel Lacrosse Association’s focus on developing native talent is likely to pay dividends in the coming years. As more Israeli-born players rise through the ranks, the national team’s composition will increasingly reflect the country’s own talent pool, potentially inspiring even more young Israelis to take up the sport.
Potential Long-term Impacts
Beyond the realm of sports, the growth of lacrosse in Israel could have broader implications:
- Strengthening diaspora connections: Lacrosse provides a unique avenue for Jewish athletes from around the world to connect with Israel
- Enhancing Israel’s sports reputation: Success in lacrosse could contribute to Israel’s overall standing in international sports
- Cultural exchange: Hosting more international tournaments could foster positive interactions between Israelis and visitors from other countries
- Youth engagement: Lacrosse offers an alternative path for youth involvement in sports, potentially reaching those not drawn to more traditional options
As the sport continues to grow, it may also open up new opportunities for Israeli athletes, including scholarships to universities abroad and professional playing opportunities in countries where lacrosse is more established.
Lacrosse as a Tool for Cultural Diplomacy
How can sports like lacrosse contribute to Israel’s international relations? The unique position of lacrosse in Israel presents an opportunity for the country to engage in sports diplomacy, using the growing popularity of the game to build bridges with other nations.
By hosting international tournaments and participating in global competitions, Israel can showcase its hospitality, organizational capabilities, and athletic talent. These sporting events provide a platform for positive interactions between Israelis and visitors from around the world, potentially fostering greater understanding and goodwill.
Case Study: The 2018 Men’s International Championship
The 2018 Men’s International Lacrosse Championship held in Israel serves as an excellent example of how sports can facilitate cultural exchange. By offering free tours of Jerusalem to participating teams and their delegations, Israel provided visitors with an opportunity to experience the country’s rich history and diverse culture firsthand.
Such initiatives can help to create lasting positive impressions and personal connections that extend far beyond the playing field. These experiences can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of Israel among international athletes and sports fans.
Leveraging Technology to Grow Lacrosse in Israel
In an increasingly digital world, how can technology be harnessed to promote and develop lacrosse in Israel? The Israel Lacrosse Association could explore various technological solutions to overcome some of the challenges facing the sport’s growth:
- Virtual coaching: Utilize video conferencing to connect Israeli players with experienced coaches from around the world
- Training apps: Develop mobile applications that guide players through drills and exercises, making it easier to practice independently
- Online communities: Create digital platforms for Israeli lacrosse players to connect, share experiences, and organize informal games
- VR training: Explore virtual reality technologies to provide immersive training experiences, especially in areas where field space is limited
- Analytics: Implement data analytics tools to help coaches and players analyze performance and identify areas for improvement
By embracing technological innovations, the Israel Lacrosse Association can potentially accelerate the sport’s development and reach a wider audience of potential players and fans.
Social Media Strategy
A robust social media presence could significantly boost lacrosse’s visibility in Israel. Some potential strategies include:
- Showcasing player stories: Share personal journeys of Israeli lacrosse players to inspire others
- Behind-the-scenes content: Offer glimpses into team training sessions and tournament preparations
- Interactive challenges: Create viral challenges that encourage participation and raise awareness
- Live streaming: Broadcast matches and events to reach a wider audience
- Influencer partnerships: Collaborate with Israeli sports personalities to promote lacrosse
By leveraging these digital tools and strategies, the Israel Lacrosse Association can create a more connected and engaged community of players, fans, and supporters, both within Israel and internationally.
Israel national Lacrosse team enters the world championship ranked 7th – Israel Sports
Days after Israel’s under-20 soccer team shocked the world with a third-place finish in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, another one of the country’s national teams is looking for international glory — this time in a sport played by few in Israel.
The 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship begins on Wednesday in San Diego, and Israel is ranked seventh among the 30 teams. They were ranked second in Europe coming into the tournament.
How many Israelis play Lacrosse?
Those rankings might surprise the average Israeli. Today, the Israel Lacrosse Association estimates that between 300 and 400 Israeli children and teens play the sport across the country, and that’s after over a decade of recruitment and youth development. Israel’s national lacrosse team is mostly made up of American-born Jews. The lacrosse association, based out of the Daniel Kraft Family National Lacrosse Center in Ashkelon, was founded by one American in 2010 and is currently run by another American.
But two of the 23 players on the national team are Israeli natives, and the women’s national team has one native Israeli, too — something Israel Lacrosse Executive Director Ian Kadish says is a meaningful increase in how the sport is spreading.
“We are now getting to a really exciting point in our organization where a lot of that leadership and a lot of that energy is coming from native-born Israelis,” Kadish told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
AFTER LOSING to Australia in the quarterfinals, Israel fell 10-9 last night to Japan at the FIL World Lacrosse Championship in Netanya and will play for seventh place today against Puerto Rico or England. (credit: ODED KARNI)
Yakov Silberlicht, who is Israel Lacrosse’s director of youth development and the men’s team captain, pointed to another telling statistic: Israel’s under-21 men’s team, which competed in Ireland last summer, featured 19 native Israelis out of 23 players. And the women’s under-21 team, which is preparing for the U21 European Lacrosse Championships in Prague next month, is also almost entirely Israeli.
“That’s what gets me fired up and makes me tick and gets me out of bed every morning, is just opening that door and offering the opportunity to those young [Israeli] men and women to be able to play for our national teams,” said Silberlicht, who is also an American expat.
Even in areas where lacrosse is more prominent, such as Canada and the Northeast United States (which have combined to win every edition of the first 14 men’s world championships), it is still considered a niche sport compared to baseball, football and other major sports. According to a study by the Aspen Institute, 466,000 Americans aged 13-17 played lacrosse in 2019, compared to the more than 2 million who play baseball and the more than 3 million who play basketball.
David Wiseman, who tracks Israeli sports for his popular Facebook page Follow Team Israel, commended Israel Lacrosse for the progress it has made, including the opportunities it has opened up for female athletes.
“The fact that they can get it flourishing in Israel is remarkable,” he told JTA.
“They’ve punched above their weight by like 3 million percent.”
Israel has also begun hosting international tournaments, including the 2018 men’s international championship and the 2019 Women’s European Championship. (During the 2018 men’s championship — the biggest-ever contest, with 46 participating teams — Israel offered free tours of Jerusalem to the teams and their delegations.)
Originally from Utica, New York, Silberlicht, 31, has lived in Israel for 10 years now. That was never part of his plan.
Growing up, he said he didn’t know much about Israel or have interest in visiting. But after he graduated from college in 2013, an opportunity to play lacrosse in Israel fell into his lap, and he went for it.
He started off coaching and playing for the national team in the 2014 championship, where Israel finished in seventh. What was initially intended to be a year-long stay turned into six more months and six more months after that, until eventually Silberlicht found himself staying permanently.
He served in the Israel Defense Forces in a combat role from 2015 to 2017.
“My Jewish identity wasn’t super strong growing up. I think that that’s partially because something like Israel Lacrosse didn’t exist,” he said. “I didn’t want to go to Sunday school because I wanted to go play sports instead… Had I had something like [Israel Lacrosse] to relate to and to identify with, I think that it could have stuck a little bit more and been more meaningful to me.”
Kadish’s introduction to Israel Lacrosse was similar. Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, Kadish, 27, said he “could not have cared less” about Judaism or Israel. But as a college lacrosse player, he participated in a lacrosse-themed Birthright trip — which his organization still runs today.
“I had that transformational moment that how many kids have when they come and visit Israel, where I’m like, ‘Oh, wow, this is way different,’” Kadish recalled.
He extended his stay, founded a youth lacrosse team and began playing on the national team.
Years later, he splits his time between the United States and Israel, and he runs the Israel Lacrosse Association. He too plays for the national team.
Kadish said he values the opportunity to “allow kids to form their own unique relationship with Judaism, with Israel, through their passion of sport.”
Much of the organization’s recruitment happens through grassroots efforts, including school visits, service trips and relentless outreach. Kadish acknowledged that they have to “work hard as hell” to overcome the predominance of soccer and basketball in Israel.
But 13 years into Israel Lacrosse’s existence, Kadish said it’s the progress that has been made in the organization’s youth engagement that he is most proud of — more so than a No. 2 ranking in Europe and the hosting of international competitions in Israel.
“When you’re on a lacrosse field in Israel with all these kids running around just being kids, you’re like, ‘okay, this is what matters, this is why I do this,’” Kadish said.
“When I see a young Israeli kid who I physically put the stick in his or her hand for the first time at the school visit, and now that player is on the sideline, coaching other kids in Hebrew — you see this full-circle moment.”
In other international arenas — namely baseball — Israeli teams have attempted to recruit the most talented American Jews they can find to compete on behalf of Israel, regardless of the players’ past connections to Israel. In lacrosse, Kadish said they try to avoid that tactic. While much of the team is American-born, Kadish said he seeks people who have spent time living in Israel and are committed to the organization’s work.
“What is at the core of our mission? What is Israel lacrosse about? It’s about developing the sport of lacrosse in Israel,” he said. “And it’s about engaging the Jewish Diaspora. If you haven’t helped us, if you haven’t been a part of those things, I’m not sure you deserve the right to play on Team Israel.”
No.
1 Cape Elizabeth cruises, heads to Class A semifinals
Varsity Maine
Posted
Updated June 10
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Nine players score a goal for the Capers in a 16-4 quarterfinal win against Noble/Sanford.
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CAPE ELIZABETH — After being idle for 10 days, Cape Elizabeth’s unbeaten and top-seeded boys’ lacrosse team looked plenty sharp in a 16-4 Class A quarterfinal win Saturday against No. 9 Noble/Sanford at Hannaford Field.
The Capers are the two-time defending Class A champions and have won 13 state titles overall since lacrosse became an MPA-sanctioned sport in 1998. They worked a crisp offense supported by strong defense, winning ground balls and in the face-off circle to take a 9-0 lead after one quarter and 13-0 at the half.
“All those little things. I think that’s what we can take away. The little things we did really well in the game today,” said Cape Coach Ben Raymond.
Nine players scored a goal for Cape. Bobby Offit had three of his four goals and Keegan Lathrop notched two goals and two assists in the first quarter. Sam Cochran, Nick Laughlin and Tom Hennessey each had two goals for Cape, which played reserves throughout running time in the second half.
Abe Smith, Connor Goss, Will Picarillo and Andrew Trachimowicz each scored once.
“We were working on offense, moving the ball and beating our man. We’ve been trying that. So today was a good test for that,” Lathrop said, adding later, “now playoffs really start.”
Cape Elizabeth (15-0) hosts No. 4 Thornton Academy (11-4) in a semifinal on Wednesday. The winner will advance to Saturday’s state championship at Fitzpatrick Stadium. A season ago Cape beat Thornton 15-8 in the Class A South final. In the regular season this year, the Capers have beaten Thornton 7-4 and 13-7.
Noble/Sanford, which had 23 players from Noble and four from Sanford, got second-half goals from Ayden Lockard (two), Carter Sonneau and Sunny Johnson. Noble (10-6) had beaten Portland, 15-5, in the preliminary round. A varsity program since the 1990s, Noble had never won more than seven games prior to this year, with the seven-win season coming in 2021, said third-year coach Kyle Baker.
Baker said Saturday’s game was good for his program.
“Absolutely. One hundred percent. At the very least we got the environment of playing in a playoff game at Cape Elizabeth against a team that is arguably is capable of winning a state championship any year,” Baker said.
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