Strength Through Sports

Our Kids Live Under Rockets – But Rise Stronger Through Sports

Empowering Children Through Sports

In Ashdod and Southern Israel, children grow up under the constant threat of rocket attacks and sirens.
But despite this reality, they still come to the swimming pool, to the gym, and to the court – not just to play, but to build resilience, confidence, and hope.
Maccabi Ashdod is not just about training athletes – we’re building inner strength, leadership, and emotional fortitude.

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Our Mission

We help the children of Ashdod build resilience and confidence, offering them strength and hope through sports despite the reality of living in constant fear.

Ashdod is located less than 35 km (21 miles) from the Gaza strip – a 40 minute drive.

Residents have 45 seconds to reach a protected space when they hear the sirens.

Children living in cities close to the Gaza strip grow up with this trauma, of having to be alert and prepared to run to shelter at any moment. During times of escalated tensions, many of these children go through periods of anxiety attacks, depression, behavioral issues, and more.

Providing a safe and supportive framework for these children to go to is essential. A place where they can have fun, build confidence, let out physical energy, and learn the importance of community.

Sports Resilience

Your Donation Can Give Them Moments of Peace, Strength, and True Joy.

Be Part of Their Journey to Triumph Over Fear.

Safe Spaces

Providing emotional support and hope through sports activities.

Children growing up in environments marked by anxiety, fear, and threats to their safety face heightened risks of emotional distress, developmental delays, and social withdrawal. Research shows that structured sports programs can play a critical role in mitigating these effects by providing a safe, predictable space where children can channel stress into physical activity, build self-confidence through skill development, and experience a sense of control and achievement.

Participation in sports fosters social connection, teamwork, and trust—factors that help counter isolation and strengthen resilience. Physical exercise also reduces physiological stress responses by lowering cortisol levels and improving mood-regulating neurotransmitters, supporting better emotional regulation and mental health.

In high-stress environments, consistent engagement in sports can be a stabilizing force, giving children both immediate relief from tension and long-term coping tools.