About Us
Since its establishment in 2000 the Freddie Krivine Initiative (FKI) has been dedicated to enhancing and strengthening the values of education, equality, and social inclusion for Arab youth in Israel.
By using the sport of tennis and emphasising shared society activities between Jewish and Arab children, their families and communities, FKI is fostering unity and understanding and peacebuilding.
Jewish and Arab Children together at our Club in Moshav Beit Hanannia
FKI has reached over 10,000 children since its founding, through after-school and in-school tennis programs.
FKI runs daily tennis training with Arab and Jewish pro tennis coaches to promote physical fitness, self-confidence and goal-setting.
FKI works with students to complete high school, access higher education and make a positive impact on their communities.
FKI encourages and trains girls to be equal partners in society through empowerment programs.
FKI alumni include doctors, business oweners, nurses, teachers professional coaches, who now mentor new participantsFKI organises joint communal festivals and tournaments for local Jewish and Arab communities, to foster trust, peacebuild, de-escalate tensions and break down stereotypes.
Features:
Afterschool tennis programs at our clubhouse with homework & language lessons in both English and Hebrew, serving 150 children aged 5-17 weekly from Fueridis, Jisr az-Zarka and Moshav Beit Hanania.
Week-long Jewish-Arab summer camps filled with tennis and community building activities.
Arab-Jewish holiday celebrations, twinning programs and joint tournaments where both communities meet and interact to break down the divide and traditional stereotypes.
Training, internship and employment of program participants as pro tennis coaches through collaborations with the Israel Tennis Association, the Ministry for Culture & Sport, and the Israel Tennis Centres.
Why Tennis is Our Mission
Bringing Communities Together - Impacting the Future
Meeting Point: Arab and Jewish children, families, coaches, volunteers and community members come together through local tennis games and cultural activities.
Dropout Prevention: Programs and initiatives that support children & their families in ensuring educational continuity and an equal future for all children.
Safe Space: Created a space where children can play together free from the tensions and violence prevalent in their own villages and the country.
Our Partners
Supporters
The Gavron Trust, The Azrieli Foundation, The TOTO, Arkin Foundation, Souter Trust, Kathryn Ames Foundation, BSST, the Burton Trust.
Partners
Azrieli Coaltion for sport and Social impact, ALLMEP (Alliance for Mid East Peace), ESRA (English speaking volunteers), Jisr az Zarka Local Council, Migdal Insurance, Moshav Beit Hananya, Israel Tennis Association, Israel Tennis & Education Centers.
Quality of Life Award
The Speaker of the Knesset Prize 2022
Sports are not only fun and healthy; they can also be a powerful tool for social change. In June 2022, the Freddie Krivine Initiative received the Israeli Parliament’s Quality of Life Prize for its efforts to promote social mobility among Arab youth and to foster coexistence by bringing together Jewish and Arab children through tennis.
The award was presented by Speaker of the Knesset Mickey Levi to founder Jane Krivine, celebrating 22 years of impactful work. FKI invited 40 guests, including board members, staff, volunteers, coaches, and 14 enthusiastic teens from Jisr az Zarka and Faradis. For many, it was their first visit to Jerusalem, and the warm welcome at the Knesset made it a day they will always remember.
