Points for Peace
Points for Peace is an annual fundraising basketball tournament organized and staffed by Dallas’ Yavneh Academy of high school students. It is a project of Students Against Terrorism, a student-run organization whose goal is to demonstrate solidarity with Israel and support Israeli terror victims.
Everyone who participated in the 2009 Points For Peace Basketball Tournament walked away a winner. With $50,000 raised and donated to ATZUM, the student led organization is celebrating a seventh tournament which has provided a day of community spirit in helping those in Israel who have suffered due to terrorism.
Since 2002, SAT has, through learn-a-thons, the annual “Points for Peace” basketball tournament, the sale of “StandStrong4Israel” bracelets, and other programs, raised over $300,000. Monies have supported an Israeli family whose son was injured in a bombing in 2001, paid for half of an ambulance for the Magen David Adom, monies have been sent to support Camp Koby, which provides a nurturing camp program to children of families struck by terrorism and the Keren Malka Foundation which provides long-term no-cost loans of specialized and expensive home equipment; walkers, standers, special wheelchairs, bath inserts, bed lifts and more.
“This year we chose ATZUM because of the sincerity and passion we saw in its founder, Levi Lauer,” said Brittney Herson ’09, Points for Peace president. “Rabbi Lauer came all the way from Israel to speak with SAT about his personal mission and dedication to his organization. The personal stories of all of the people he had helped, and the lives he has saved, made us want to help.” “These young ladies and gentlemen are incredible and every day school in the country should sponsor a Students Against Terrorism organization,” said Rabbi Lauer. “I’m so impressed with their commitment, their concern, and their contributions to making this world a better place. We, at ATZUM, are honored to be the recipient of the monies raised at this year’s Points for Peace tournament and, with the help of these dedicated students and all who participate, we will continue to help many.”
“Rabbi Lauer made us feel so special for our hard work, and in turn inspired us,” said Brittney. “For him to be at our event and partake and volunteer and see all of our efforts in play was amazing and it truly completed the day and made it extra special.”
“We went door-to-door and it was amazing that, even when so many people are having hard times, we were still able to collect so much money,” said Tali Richman, a member of The Power Rangers team which won their division (7-8th grade girls) and who raised a record $2000 for one team. “Kohl’s donated $500 and that helped a lot. We love playing in the tournament but this was about so much more than basketball, it was more about doing for others. Israel is our homeland and to see it torn by war is upsetting. Anything we can do to help, we want to do.”
“I hope that through Points for Peace we were able to open the eyes and hearts of the Jewish community,” said Brittney. “We want to empower them and let everyone know how even the smallest contribution makes a huge difference.”
