One of the most storied, and diverse, soccer teams in Israel is sending its youth side to the United States this week for a series of friendly matches.
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Maccabi Haifa FC's Under-19 team will take on its counterparts from the New York Red Bulls, Philadelphia Union and St. Benedict's Prep/Cedar Stars, in addition to community engagements that will promote diversity, inclusion, peace-building and tolerance.
Maccabi Haifa is often held up as a symbol of Israeli inclusiveness with players representing a vast spectrum of society.
The New Jersey-Israel Commission is sponsoring the trip, in partnership with St. Benedict's Preparatory School. The games are intended to highlight "sports diplomacy" in the next generation of global leaders, according to a press release.
This marks Maccabi Haifa's first visit to New Jersey since 2013. The parent club won the Israeli Premier league championship in 2021, breaking a decade-long slump.
