Building a Sustainable Future in Israel

adidas and Common Goal are supporting infrastructure and educational projects 

As part of the move for the planet global activation from adidas and Common Goal, The Peres Center for Peace and Innovation is embarking on an infrastructure project in the Arab-Jewish city of Lod, Isreal – that will establish a shared space dedicated to promoting values of coexistence, tolerance, and inclusion.  

The tense situation within Lod has presented many challenges for the community and for the development and growth of the young people within it.  

With that context, the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation is looking to find sustainable solutions and provide common ground for a more safe and secure coexistence.  

“The Peres Center is thrilled for the opportunity to deepen its presence in the mixed Jewish-Arab city of Lod with the refurbishment of a sustainable community pitch,” said Tamar Hay-Sagiv, Director of Peace Education. 

This project will benefit and contribute to the co-existence, tolerance, peace, and inclusion among Arab and Jewish residents, thereby promoting those values and encouraging young people to grow from them through three core actions. It will also offer concrete solutions to adapt to the rise of temperature.

Turning recycled materials into sports infrastructure: 

The `Shared Future´ project encourages the redevelopment of its sports complex, remodelling the existing pitch, half re-surfaced with eco-friendly turf and half with eco-friendly synthetic asphalt compound. That way members of the community can use it for both basketball and football. 

The facility will also be made more climate-resilient, including the installation of a shading canopy, public seating, a solar-powered lighting system using recycled materials, a community garden with water-saving public drinking fountains, and a green wall. 

“The new `Shared Futures´ pitch represents a multi-tiered investment and multi-sectoral commitment to a common vision for a greener, more peaceful future for all of the city’s residents,” Tamar added. 

Education on environmental sustainability and sports:   

Teaching also plays an important role in shaping `Shared Futures´. Part of the project is the `Engagement & Resiliency Programme´ – where educational and awareness events will take place.  

The content will include environment, sports, and peace education workshops aimed to engage Jewish and Arab women’s groups and young leaders from local schools.