In the heart of the Golan Heights Druze villages, where many locals identify with their Syrian roots and avoid holding Israeli IDs, an athletic transformation is unfolding. Men and women are coming together to form basketball teams, representing Maccabi Ramat Golan. While Bashar al-Assad probably will not publicly endorse them, there might be a quiet pride in seeing such talents blossom from this region. These new teams will not only be affiliated with the Maccabi center but will also make their mark in the Israeli league.
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In the Golan's most expansive Druze village, Majdal Shams, an attempt to carve a niche in the Israeli football league took flight a decade ago. The man behind this endeavor, the village's sports department chief, faced a stormy reaction, as evidenced by the stones thrown at him. Undeterred, the spirit of sportsmanship thrived. Subsequently, two years later, the local football team graced the villages, now contending in one of Israel's semi-professional league.
Up north, the Druze folks are warming up to big Israeli sports groups like Maccabi. Some even hope to see their own shine on the national team one day.
"Joining a group like Maccabi isn't just about the name. It's about safety and being official. We've got kids already playing in top leagues, and we're pushing to get our own team up there. I believe they've got a real shot," Dolan Abu-Saleh, who heads the town, says.
Next month, Majdal Shams will unveil three state-of-the-art basketball courts. But it's more than just about the sport.
"Our goal stretches beyond just playing," according to Abu-Saleh. We're trying to bridge cultures using basketball. Naturally, Jewish players from the Golan are welcome. My hope is for everyone in this area to unite through the game, sharing a collective dream. Here, they'll find a team that feels just like home."
Amir Halabi has been selected to coach the inaugural basketball teams for both girls and boys. His ambition is clear and strong. "Since 2014, I've carried the dream of creating a distinguished basketball team right here," he says, "For me, there's no ceiling to what we can achieve. My aspiration is that one day we will make it to the Final Four. I have hope that in two or three years, we'll cultivate players from our youth squads who will be skilled enough to helm an adult team, one that competes in a top league."
Halabi carries a dream that eluded him in his younger years. "During my days as a budding player, it was an unattainable goal," he recalls, "I had no backing, no one to encourage my growth in basketball. Previously, even just imagining such dreams was riddled with political complications."
"But now, folks here hope for their kids to feel integrated into the nation and its society. This isn't about politics. If someone believes that sports and culture equate to politics, they shouldn't be playing with us," Halabi says.