Thessaloniki – Chess Bridge for Friendship and Peace

Israeli, Iranian Children Get Acquainted At World Chess Championship

Thessaloniki, Greece — (May 12, 2009)

(lubavitch.com) After the trophies and closing ceremonies at last week’s World School Chess Championship in Thessaloniki, Greece, the Israeli and Iranian teams met with their coaches and local Chabad Rabbi Yoel Kaplan to talk chess and peace.

“I was with the kids all week at our center and cheered them on at the tournament,” said Kaplan. “The coach of the Iranian team approached me toward the end of the competition and asked me to help arrange a meeting for his team and the Israeli team.” (Continue reading…)

Coach Ebrahim Maddahi, his five players and their family members met with Israel’s team of six youngsters, family members, coach Naftali Ben Pinchas and Rabbi Kaplan in a private room at the Grand Hotel competition center after closing ceremonies.

“With a lot of excitement,” said Kaplan, “Maddahi addressed the group, calling it a great opportunity and a demonstration that kids are above the political issues separating the countries. For a week we played together and had chess in common. Similarly, the whole world will be united in the future.”

Full article: Israeli, Iranian Children Get Acquainted At World Chess Championship