Sir Cliff Richard supports Jewish-Arab coexistence at tennis fundraiser

Sir Cliff Richard took his entertainment to the tennis courts in Israel this week, a day before his concert in Tel Aviv, in aid of a charity helping Israeli Arab children mix with their Jewish peers.

The British singer, 76, hit the courts in Herzliya as part of a fundraiser for the Freddie Krivine Foundation, which facilitates tennis coaching to kids aged eight to 18 years, ahead of his concert at Menora Mivtachim Arena.

The Christian entertainer and tennis fan joined forces with the Foundation, which supports both Muslim and Christian Israeli Arab schools and after-school tennis clubs, as well as promoting co-existence through sport with Jewish children.

The star has a history of involvement in the region: in 2006, he helped re-establish the Nazareth tennis school in 2006, played tennis with Israeli kids before his concert tour in 2013, and donated funds to support individual talented players with travel and coaching grants.

“I love tennis because you can beat your opponent and they will still be your friend”, he said in Herzliya this week.

“The Freddie Krivine Foundation brings young people together regardless of their background or nationality. Tennis can encourage them to forget ‘divisions’ and also to have healthy lives. It is my pleasure, once again, to support this terrific initiative.”