Scope and Impact

Pickleball is one of the largest growing sports in the world, and Israel is making its mark:

– Pickleball has been included as a new sport in the scheduled Maccabiah games in the Summer of 2026. 

– Israel won 1 gold and 2 silver medals in the 2025 Pickleball World Cup competition in Florida.

– There are approximately 100 active players in the Efrat area playing on temporary, marked-up and shared court spaces.

– In partnership with the Efrat Matnas Community Center, and with a subsidy commitment from Israel’s Ministry of Culture and Sport.

– After-school kid club/chugim planned.

The post Pickleball Sport Center in Efrat first appeared on Efrat Development Foundation.

The IDF Birthday Project is a grassroots, volunteer-driven initiative dedicated to supporting families of IDF reservists—particularly during extended periods of service. What began as a small act of kindness in Efrat has grown into a powerful community network, ensuring that no child, spouse, or soldier feels forgotten on meaningful life occasions.

At its core, the project delivers joy, dignity, and emotional support during times of absence and uncertainty.

The Need

Reserve duty places immense strain on families. Parents—often mothers—are left to manage households alone, while children cope with the absence of a parent during formative moments like birthdays and milestones.

These moments, though seemingly small, carry deep emotional weight. Without support, they can become sources of stress, loneliness, and disconnection.

The Response

The IDF Birthday Project provides thoughtfully prepared packages and personalized gestures that transform these moments into experiences of connection, celebration, and care.

Key Program Components Include:

• 🎂 Children’s Birthday Packages – Complete party kits including presents, decorations, cake, balloons, and a personalized message from the parent in service
• 💐 Mothers’ Birthday Recognition – Gifts and messages honoring the strength of mothers holding the home front
• 🎁 Soldier Support Packages – Care packages and birthday gifts delivered directly to soldiers
• 👶 Newborn Welcome Kits – Celebrating new life during periods of absence
• 🕯️ Holiday Packages – Bringing warmth and tradition into homes during Jewish festivals
• 🍲 Meal Support – Providing relief to families during especially challenging times

These efforts ensure that families feel supported, seen, and embraced by their broader community.ship initiative with national reach.

Your Impact

Your partnership will help us scale our support to thousands of children and families across Efrat and Gush Etzion. We have already delivered thousands of celebration and care packages.

Powered by a growing network of dedicated local volunteers, your support strengthens not only individual households—but overall community resilience.

The post IDF Birthday Project first appeared on Efrat Development Foundation.

Baseball Efrat has emerged as one of the most dynamic and unifying initiatives within our community. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a structured and expanding program, bringing together children and teens from across Efrat who share a passion for the game and a commitment to personal growth.

As Efrat continues to develop, Baseball Efrat reflects the spirit of the community—forward-looking, values-driven, and committed to excellence.

More Than a Game

Baseball Efrat is about far more than athletic achievement. It serves as a platform for:

• Character Development – Instilling responsibility, resilience, and teamwork
• Community Building – Creating shared experiences for families across Efrat
• Youth Empowerment – Offering a positive, structured environment for growth
• Excellence – Encouraging high standards both on and off the field

Through professional coaching, organized leagues, and community engagement, participants gain skills that extend well beyond the המשחק.

Unlocking Full Potential

With growing demand and participation, Baseball Efrat is poised for its next stage of development. Strategic investment will enable:

• Expansion and enhancement of playing fields and facilities
• Access to higher-level coaching and training programs
• Growth in league participation across all age groups
• Hosting of regional and national tournaments
• Establishing Efrat as a leading hub for baseball in Israel

This is a unique opportunity to transform a successful program into a flagship initiative with national reach.

Your Impact

Supporting Baseball Efrat is an investment in both people and place.

Your partnership will:

• Empower youth with confidence, leadership, and life skills
• Strengthen the fabric of the Efrat community
• Promote healthy and active lifestyles
• Elevate Efrat’s standing as a center of excellence and growth

The post Baseball Efrat first appeared on Efrat Development Foundation.