The Gift of Chess Connects Children in Israel.

In partnership w/ The Nazareth Chess Club, The Gift of Chess recently hosted a simultaneous exhibition featuring Jihad Zoabi , the highest rank Arab player in Israel, and the founder of Nazareth's Chess Academy.

On the completion of the event, all of the The Gift of Chess, chess sets were donated to Beit Ha'Gefen.

Beit Ha'Gefen is an Arab-Jewish Cultural Center in Haifa is a multi-cultural organization that aims to bring together Arabs and Jews & promote coexistence and tolerance.

About Jihad Zoabi:

Building on my experience of being the highest rank Arab player in Israel I am, Jihad Zoabi, the founder of Nazareth's Chess Academy in Israel, a chess academy that operates under AlShatranj non-profit organization, where we are deeply committed to promoting chess in the Arab sector of Israel and to bridge the gaps between Arab and Israeli players, particularly during these challenging times.

Nazareth holds significant importance as the largest Arab city in Israel, with deep historical and cultural significance for Christians worldwide. Amidst the tensions arising from the 2023 conflict between Israel and Gaza, the relations between Palestinians and Israelis remain strained. However, through chess, we believe we can foster solidarity and understanding, following the motto of the international chess federation: Gens Una Sumus (We are one family).

Our efforts include organizing bi-national chess leagues and friendly matches, providing a platform for Arab and Israeli/Jewish players from diverse backgrounds to come together, compete, and build mutual respect. Now, we are reaching out to request your support in our endeavor to provide every child in Nazareth and its surrounding areas with access to chess sets.

In Nazareth alone, approximately 50 schools exist, and our aim is to provide at least 10 sets to each school to establish their own chess club. By expanding access to this timeless game, we aim to instill critical thinking skills, promote peaceful interaction, and foster a sense of unity within our community.

We are immensely grateful for any support you can provide and look forward to the possibility of collaborating with The Gift of Chess to make a positive impact on the lives of children in Nazareth, the Arab and Israeli sector and beyond.

We are deeply committed to this cause and stand ready to answer any questions you may have regarding our initiative or how you can support us. Thank you for considering our request.