ASHKELON, ISRAEL – Ben Friedman, a native of Newton, MA who has represented Israel on the field since 2018, will relocate to Israel in October to participate in Israel Lacrosse’s Masa Gap-Year program.
Friedman will live like a local, train, compete, and directly contribute to the grassroots development of the sport in Israel. The 19-year-old goalie will have a prioritized opportunity to be evaluated to compete at the U20 Men’s World Lacrosse Championships, held in Limerick, Ireland from June 17-26, 2021, as well as other international tournaments.
Friedman served as Israel’s starting goalie at the U-20 European Championships which competed in Prague, Czech Republic in 2019. He appeared in six games, recording 45 saves, good for a 58% save percentage, and a 5.33 goals-against average.
“We are grateful that Ben committed to Israel this year. As one of our first commits, we were able to recruit others around Ben, knowing what a high caliber player,” said U-20 National Team Head Coach Jacob Silberlicht. “Ben stood between the pipes for our U20 National Team which competed in the U20 European Championships last summer. His skill on the field, and character off the field will make him an invaluable asset to our team and program.”
Friedman will take his talents to Tufts in 2021 following his gap year in Israel. He is a former goalie at Middlesex High School and a member of Piatelli Lacrosse Club.
Israel Lacrosse has worked with Masa Israel since 2015 to provide young adults between the ages of 18-30 immersive and life-changing international experiences, including internship experiences in Israel. Israel Lacrosse is the nation’s fully functioning National Governing Body of the sport that has a large range of internships and opportunities to offer. Participants of our gap year programs have the opportunity to build their resume, learn Hebrew, interact with Israelis, and contribute to growing the sport of lacrosse in Israel.
Athletes who are interested in learning more about the Israel Lacrosse Gap Year program should contact Director of Men’s Lacrosse, Seth Mahler at [email protected].