Inter Campus, stories of integration

B. is a jovial lady, in her early twenties, who has always lived in East Jerusalem, where she previously studied and now works. She loves football so much that a few years ago she joined Inter Campus as a coach; to allow many boys and girls, whose destiny is often marked by stereotypes and prejudice, to play and grow. The main issue of that region is a lack of ethnic and religious integration which sometimes makes it difficult to establish a dialogue, one of the main objectives of the Nerazzurri project recently shared also through joining the European Show Racism The Red Card campaign

“In the first two years the relationship was very complicated, (the children – ed.) didn’t want to talk to each other, they didn’t want to stay together. First of all, they speak different languages. The Jewish people do not know Arabic at all. Arab children, on the other hand, know a little bit of Hebrew, but not enough to hold a conversation. The first two years were difficult, but then things got better and I’m happy. The boys now play together and even argue! They say: “I want that Jewish boy in my team”. They want to be on the same team. Things are getting better”.

B. told us about her experience and shared some anecdotes, pointing out the important role the time plays in terms of awareness and knowledge. Sometimes the society itself has a negative influence and doing sport for a girl is not always a simple thing.

“As for the girls… first of all I am Arab so I have encountered several problems and I don’t want the girls to have to face what I have faced. I know it will be very difficult for them, society does not look good on Arab girls who play football, because football is said to be a sport for men. I don’t believe in these things and I try to do my best to create my team. I work with boys and girls from 6 to 12 years old and I see them having fun, so why can’t we play soccer? It’s a sport for everyone. Everyone loves football. Everyone! Girls also have the right to play and this is one of the goals of Inter Campus”.

26.04.2021