Healing Through Basketball: CJI Partners with "Winning Pass" to Help Wounded Soldiers Rebuild

The Center for Jewish Impact (CJI) is proud to announce a new strategic partnership and support for the non-profit organization Winning Pass, a unique initiative led by former Israeli national basketball player Afik Nissim. The program is designed to provide a meaningful rehabilitative path for soldiers wounded- physically or mentally- during the October 7th attack and the ongoing Iron Swords War and Operation Rising Lion.

This partnership reflects our deep appreciation for the soldiers and their families, who have sacrificed so much- so that we may continue living here in safety.

Winning Pass is part of the Center’s broader sports initiative, “One Team, One People,” and offers a structured rehabilitation framework combining physical activity with emotional and social support. It was founded on the belief in the healing power of sports as a tool for growth and social belonging. The program provides a safe space for processing trauma, strengthening self-worth, and building a supportive community.

Program Objectives:

• Promote physical and emotional recovery by forming rehabilitative basketball teams aimed at helping participants return to everyday life.

• Support the families of wounded soldiers and host commemorative events honoring fallen heroes.

• Foster connections among participants and build a mutual support system through team experiences.

• Give participants a platform to share their stories with Jewish communities, local authorities, and sports organizations in Israel and abroad- helping raise global awareness and build bridges.

• Identify and develop athletic talent with potential for integration into national Paralympic teams.

  
  

Weekly training sessions are held year-round at four locations across Israel, with 25-30 wounded soldiers participating in each group. The program also includes events, workshops, and lectures led by prominent figures from the Israeli sports world.

This initiative responds to an urgent and growing need: since the start of the war, over 16,000 soldiers have been wounded, more than half of them suffering from long-term psychological trauma. Considering these numbers, long-term rehabilitation programs are not a luxury -they are a necessity.

The Center for Jewish Impact sees sports as a universal language- a bridge between people, a tool for strengthening social resilience, and a platform for connecting Israel with the Diaspora. Through initiatives like this, CJI continues to lead impactful programs that bridge universal values with Jewish identity, education with social action, and Israel with Jewish communities around the world.

Robert Singer, Chairman of the Center for Jewish Impact: “The rehabilitation of our soldiers is not just a duty- it’s a commitment to the future of Israel. Those who gave so much for our safety deserve every opportunity to heal, grow, and return to life. And what better way to support them than through sports—through basketball.

This vision was also shared by the donor behind this project: a warm-hearted Jew, a lover of Israel and sports, who chose to demonstrate the deep commitment of Jews worldwide to Israeli society, especially in these trying times. "

Sonia Gomes de Mesquita, CEO of the Center for Jewish Impact:

“This initiative brings together body, soul, and community- the three most essential pillars of rehabilitation. We believe that every soldier deserves not only to recover but to find renewed purpose and connection to life. This is more than a sports program- it’s a call to action to build a better future together.”

Afik Nissim, CEO of Winning Pass:

“I want to thank the Center for Jewish Impact for this collaboration—especially Sonia and Robert, who lead this impactful organization. I welcome all our partners in this shared social mission of using basketball to help rehabilitate wounded soldiers, those who gave of their bodies and souls so we and our children can live here in peace.

We see, firsthand, the difference this program makes in helping these soldiers slowly return to routine, giving them light and strength for the daily challenges ahead.”

Avidor Lapid, Attorney and CPA, Legal Advisor to Winning Pass:

“I am proud to help connect Winning Pass, which I’ve had the privilege of supporting over the past year, with the Center for Jewish Impact—a respected organization that shares our values of giving and social leadership. During the training and activities, we see the added value that this initiative brings to wounded soldiers, who gave so much for us. I am confident that this partnership is just the beginning of important work during one of the most complex security periods we’ve ever known.”

For media inquiries or interviews:Yuval Chernobrov, Spokesperson for the Center for Jewish Impact+972-50-5077035