September 22, 2026

ISRAEL BASEBALL BRINGS THE GAME TO ISRAEL’S SOUTH WITH A DAY OF FUN

KIBBUTZ GEZER, ISRAEL – Ninety-five kids from Kibbutz Carmia and Kibbutz Nir Yitzchak spent September 22 doing something they don’t always get to do: just being kids.

Made possible by Les and Renee Sandler through the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, Israel Baseball hosted a special day at Kibbutz Gezer for children from two communities in Israel’s south, bringing baseball, arts and crafts, pool time, and a catered kosher lunch.

Both Kibbutz Carmia and Kibbutz Nir Yitzchak sit near Gaza. Days like this one aren’t something these communities take for granted.

Israel Baseball staff member Louie Miller ran baseball clinics throughout the morning and afternoon, introducing kids to batting, fielding, and the fundamentals of the game. The day ran for more than seven hours.

“These kids deserved a day where the only question was what to do next,” said Jordy Alter, former President of the Israel Association of Baseball. “Baseball, arts, the pool, a big lunch — we wanted to give them a full day of joy and we did exactly that.”

What’s Next

The day is already turning into something more. Plans are underway to launch baseball clubs with weekly practices and games in both Carmia and Nir Yitzchak and other communities in the Gaza envelope to counteract a mental health crisis among young people in the region and throughout Israel following the pandemic and three years of war. The program will be led by Louie Miller, Israel national team coach and mental health expert, giving kids from both communities a regular program to look forward to.

“This is how Israel Baseball works,” said Miller, “We show up, give kids a great day, and build something lasting from it. We’re grateful to Les and Renee Sandler and the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati for making this possible.”