From New Jersey to Jaffa: Growing Pickleball in Israel

From New Jersey to Jaffa: Growing Pickleball in Israel

By Lee Sieradzky

My name is Lee Sieradzky, and I’m an Oleh Chadash from New Jersey. I grew up playing just about every sport you can imagine—basketball, soccer, baseball, tennis. Sports were more than a pastime for me—they were a way of connecting with people, staying active, and feeling grounded.

When I made aliyah to Israel in 2020, I brought that love of sports with me. I didn’t know then that pickleball—something I’d only briefly played in a high school gym class back in 2010—would become such a central part of my life and the community I’d help build here.

Falling Back in Love with the Game

In early 2023, I stumbled across a group playing pickleball on the courts in Jaffa. The moment I picked up a paddle, I was all in. Something about the game just clicked—fast-paced but approachable, competitive but fun, and totally social. The players welcomed me like I was already part of the crew, the sun was out, and before I knew it, I’d spent the whole morning on the court.

At the time, pickleball in Israel was still very grassroots. A few small groups were playing here and there, loosely connected by WhatsApp chats and word of mouth. But what struck me was the potential. You could feel the energy, the possibility. People wanted to play more, meet more players, and grow the game.

Planting the Seeds of a Movement

Bit by bit, I started visiting clubs around the country—sometimes playing, sometimes just meeting the organizers, hearing their stories, and sharing ideas. It wasn’t long before we realized we needed a way to bring everyone together.

By the summer of 2023, we launched a centralized WhatsApp community to connect players and clubs throughout Israel. We added tools to streamline communication, worked on branding to give Israeli pickleball a unified identity, and from that momentum, the IPBA was born.

The IPBA became more than just a network—it became a movement. A place where beginners and seasoned players alike could find games, share tips, and build lasting friendships.

Community, Competition, and Connection

Since forming the IPBA, we’ve hit some exciting milestones:

  • We've hosted several national tournaments, each one bigger and better than the last.
  • We proudly introduced pickleball to the Maccabiah Games for the first time, putting the sport on a national stage.
  • Courts and clubs are popping up in more and more cities, making the game more accessible than ever.
  • We’ve certified coaches, launched youth programs, and partnered with schools and municipalities to grow the sport from the ground up.

But beyond the events and logistics, what’s truly magical is the sense of community. Pickleball is one of the rare sports where a 70-year-old and a 17-year-old can play competitively together—and both walk off the court smiling. It doesn’t matter if you're athletic or out of shape, an experienced player or totally new. The game is designed to bring people together.

Why Pickleball?

There’s a reason pickleball is exploding in popularity around the world—and it’s not just because it’s fun. It’s:

  • Easy to learn: Most people can pick it up after a short session.
  • Accessible to all ages and abilities: Whether you're 8 or 80, there's a place for you on the court.
  • Social and inclusive: It’s almost impossible to play without making a new friend.
  • Affordable and simple to set up: A few paddles, a net, and some chalk is all you need.

It’s the kind of sport where strangers become teammates, and teammates become friends.

What’s Next for Pickleball in Israel?

We're just getting started. Our mission now is to continue building momentum—introducing pickleball to new cities, training more coaches, creating leagues and school programs, and supporting the passionate local leaders who’ve made this sport what it is today.

If you’re reading this and curious about trying pickleball—do it. Come to a local open play, borrow a paddle, and see what the buzz is about. You might just get hooked, like I did.

Whether you're in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Be’er Sheva, or a small moshav in the north or south—there’s a growing community of players waiting to welcome you to the court.

Join Us
If you're looking to get involved in the Israeli pickleball scene, we’d love to hear from you.

Explore more and find a game near you: https://linktr.ee/israelpickleball
Contact me: lee@pickleball.org.il

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