As the world turns its attention to the FIFA World Cup finals, Jerusalem is celebrating the unifying power of football in its own way. The city’s newly launched NGO League brings together dozens of nonprofit organizations, proving that sometimes the most meaningful victories happen far from the world’s biggest stadiums.
The new NGO League, an initiative of the Jerusalem Foundation in partnership with Kulna Jerusalem and supported by the Jerusalem Municipality’s Sports Department, was established with a vision that sees sport as far more than a game. Alongside promoting physical activity, the league harnesses the power of sport to foster personal growth, build self-confidence, encourage perseverance, responsibility and teamwork, and strengthen the social fabric of Jerusalem.
Running from July through September 2026, the league features men’s and women’s football and basketball competitions, creating opportunities for organizations that work across the city’s diverse communities to connect in an entirely new way. Through shared sporting experiences, the initiative aims to cultivate trust, cooperation and lasting partnerships that extend well beyond the playing field. At its heart are the values of community, equality, inclusion and shared society.
Dozens of nonprofits and community organizations have joined the inaugural season. Participants represent a broad spectrum of Jerusalem’s civil life, including organizations working in education, welfare, culture, sport, rehabilitation and shared society. Among them are Tzionei Derech, Al Tawasol, Home Court, SAHI, OneFamily, Kulna Jerusalem, Hamifletzet Pub, Train Theater, Hapoel Lev Jerusalem, Roma Club Jerusalem Football School and Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem. Registration is still open and additional organizations are expected to join.
To ensure that the league’s impact reaches beyond the matches themselves, each championship-winning organization will receive a NIS 5,000 prize dedicated exclusively to advancing its own social or community programming.
As Jerusalem Foundation President Arik Grebelsky explains, “the true measure of success will not be the trophies awarded at the end of the season, but the relationships formed along the way. By bringing together the people and organizations working every day to strengthen Jerusalem, the league aims to spark new partnerships, initiatives and friendships that will continue benefiting the city long after the final whistle.”
Photo credit: Ricky Rachman
