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A benefactor of the Freddie Krivine Foundation which has developed coexistence tennis programs for Jewish and Arab youth throughout Israel, Richard, an avid tennis player, contributed funds to help the foundation establish the Nazareth Tennis School.
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British rock star to promote Arab-Jewish tennis charity
By DAVID BRINN
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Cliff Richard won’t only be performing onstage when he arrives in Israel next month. He’ll also be making an appearance on the tennis courts.
A benefactor of the Freddie Krivine Foundation which has developed coexistence tennis programs for Jewish and Arab youth throughout Israel, Richard, an avid tennis player, contributed funds to help the foundation establish the Nazareth Tennis School.
Krivine, who was the president of the Israel Tennis Association until his death in 2005, aimed through the foundation to introduce Israeli Arab children to tennis, and through tennis to introduce Jewish and Arab children to each other. Every year the foundation runs inter-school tennis and games programs for Arab and Jewish children.
“I thought that the concept was fantastic so I decided to get involved,” said Richard. “I haven’t been back to visit to school since the beginning, so I’m very excited to take the opportunity while I’m here to see what’s been done and maybe hit some tennis balls with the kids.”
“It’s really a lovely idea, Arab and Jewish children playing together. And they actually play doubles together and need to rely on and trust each other. It bodes well for the future.”
Desertpeace 