Batter Up: The All-India Jewish Cricket League

For Jewish youth in Mumbai, India, the Jewish Community Center (JCC) is a central part of life. There they can celebrate Jewish holidays, attend Jewish-themed camps and have a safe environment in which to socialize with their peers. However, one important activity was missing – sports.

Recognizing the need for sports activity at the JCC, JDC Jewish Service Corps volunteer Yitzhak decided to form the All-India Jewish Cricket League. The League will provide an opportunity for Jewish youth in Mumbai to come together in a non-threatening social environment and will also provide an opportunity for them to meet other Jewish youth. In fact, the League's first meeting attracted youth who had never been to the JCC before.

Currently, the All-India Jewish Cricket League boasts a membership of 30-40 Jewish youth and is the only Jewish League in India. Cricket is an internationally popular game and in India, is a game of nationalistic pride.