Through the discipline of tennis the Israel Tennis Centers strive to improve the lives of children in one of the most conflicted regions of the world. By teaching the life skills of self-reliance, perseverance and focus, the ITC fosters sustainable values of self-esteem, character and tolerance, creating a positive imprint on the children, their families, the communities and the world for generations to come.

In 1976, six visionaries from Israel, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom realized their dream and opened one center for tennis in Israel. Their vision was to bring the game of tennis to the masses, regardless of background, religion, ethnicity or physical ability, while providing the foundation to create champions in tennis and in life.

Israel Tennis Centers Milestones

1976

The ITC – Ramat Hasaharon opened on April 25th, 1976, with 14 tennis courts. Leah Rabin cut the ribbon of the Center, and 250 children signed up to participate.

1977

Canadians Joe Frieberg, Ralph Halbert, Harold Green and others raise money to build Canada Stadium, Israel’s first tennis stadium, in Ramat Hasharon.

1985

Ethiopian children come to the Ashkelon and Arad Centers.

1987

Amos Mansdorf wins the Riklis Tournament, the first Israeli to win the title. He achieves a career high ATP ranking of 18 with 6 singles titles.

1989

Ian Froman as the President of the Israel Tennis Centers is awarded the Israel Prize for social impact.

1997

Co-Existence Program expanded to Jewish, Arab, Bedouin and Druze children.

2001

The Residence Academy for talented players opens in Ramat Hasharon.

2003

Anna Smashnova reaches a career high singles WTA ranking of 15 in the world.

2006

Tamir Segal and Rachel Elmoualem from Kiryat Shmona and Ashkelon are awarded first Golf Medals at Special Olympics European Championships held in Berlin.

2008

The ITC receives an award from the Prime Minister for its contribution to Israel’s children.

2008

Andy Ram and Yoni Erlich win the Australian Open Doubles Title.

2009

Dudi Sela reaches a career high ranking of 29 in the world.

2009

Opening the tennis center in Sajur Galilee (Druze town).

2010

The highlight of opening the new Tennis Center in Akko (mixed population of 67% Jews and 28% Arabs and 5% others).

2011

Shahar Pe’er reaches career high singles ranking of 11 in the world.

2011

Muhammad Kunbar and Jafar Tawil from the iTC – Jerusalem, are the first Arabs to represent Israel at an international tennis tournament (Special Olympics in Athens, Greece).

2011

The Embrace Program is recognized by the government as an official program for children at risk included in the book of national programs for children at risk.