A new initiative to bring post-trauma sport programming to the children of southern Israel is underway. Mifalot, a sport development organization, kicked off the project with the goal to raise $12,000 in funding for the educational programs and to rebuild a soccer field damaged by Hamas rocket fire at which the programs will take place. The funds will provide over 1,000 children living near the Gaza border with twice-weekly sessions to help them cope with the trauma of living under constant rocket fire.

“We’re incredibly excited to launch this campaign to help the children of southern Israel who have lived under constant rocket fire throughout their lives. Soccer can be an incredible vehicle in helping individuals, particularly children, cope with this trauma,” said Dr. Meir Orenstein, Mifalot CEO. “To bring soccer programs and a new field would be a very special thing for all children in the region.”

Mifalot hopes its campaign will also raise awareness for children suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder. The group has over 16 years experience using soccer as an educational and cultural tool for change. Mifalot turned to crowdfunding to raise the funds and has a campaign now running on indiegogo. (via Israel21c)

[Photo: Giulio Bernardi / Flickr]