At a time when Israeli sports teams are forced to play their home games abroad and few tourists are visiting the country, Maccabi Rothstein Ashdod enjoyed an unusual experience Wednesday, hosting Allen University, a historically Black college in South Carolina, for a joint practice session and exhibition basketball game.
The visit, funded by Israel's Foreign Ministry and the MAX Project, was intended to promote tolerance and combat antisemitism and racism through sports. The exhibition was played in an unusual format consisting of six five-minute periods and featured a competitive level of basketball. Although Allen University competes in NCAA Division II, it is a well-known institution among African American basketball players.
Gallery
Maccabi Rothstein Ashdod hosted Allen College for a joint training session and exhibition game
(Photo: Maccabi Rothstein Ashdod)
Behind the initiative is Eric Rubin, a Jewish immigrant who moved to Israel on October 7, 2023 and now lives in Tel Aviv.
"It's incredible. Our mission is to fight antisemitism and racism and promote tolerance through sports," Rubin said. "Bringing a historically Black college to Israel at a time like this, with an entirely African American team, and having them play against a professional team where Americans and Israelis, Black and white players, compete together, really touches my heart. It shows how sports bring people together."
(Photo: Maccabi Rothstein Ashdod)
Rubin added that the visit was particularly meaningful for the American players, many of whom were experiencing international travel and professional-level competition for the first time. "It's a wonderful opportunity for our players, who have never left the United States and have never played against professionals. They'll never forget this day," he said.
For Ashdod captain Robert Turner, the meeting carried special personal significance. Turner was born and lives in South Carolina, approximately an hour's drive from Allen University. "It's a huge thing to welcome people from where I grew up here in Israel," Turner said. "It was a real pleasure talking to these young players, explaining to them what a wonderful place Israel is and how much love we receive here."