Diski 18 brings together Israeli soccer players and South African youth

The inaugural Diski 18 delegation, part of the Jewish Agency's Partnership2gether initiative, launched a week-long exchange in South Africa, using soccer to strengthen ties between Israel's Harei Yehuda-Beit Shemesh region and the South African Jewish community. Led by Ironi Beit Shemesh FC players and coaches Tal Ayala and Liad Elad, the program began in Johannesburg with professional training sessions for dozens of students, focusing on teamwork, leadership, and resilience. The delegation then moved to Cape Town, joining the HaBonim Dror winter camp for soccer clinics and leadership workshops. Participants received commemorative jerseys honoring Captain Tomer Shoham z”l, a fallen IDF officer and soccer enthusiast who helped establish Mateh Yehuda's first competitive youth league team. Dani Marks, a Partnership2gether Steering Committee Member, stated, “we understand the power of sport, the power to build relationships, mend fences, bring people together.”