ASHKELON, ISRAEL – Sammy Dubner, a native of New York, NY who has represented the blue-and-white on the field since 2015, will move to Israel in October to participate in Israel Lacrosse’s Masa Gap-Year program.
Dubner will live like a local, train, compete, and directly contribute to the grassroots development of the sport in Israel. The 20-year-old defender will also have a prioritized opportunity to be evaluated to compete at the Men’s European Lacrosse Championships, help in Wroclaw, Poland from July 21-30, 2021.
Dubner represented Israel for the first time in 2015 on the Winter Service Trip, competing on the field and growing the game of lacrosse in schools in Israel. Dubner has appeared in numerous exhibition games for Israel, seeing the field at international showcase events in New York and Philadelphia. In 2018, Dubner worked alongside the Men’s World Team as they competed in the 2018 FIL World Lacrosse Championships in Netanya, Israel.
“As a returning member of the Israel Lacrosse Family, we look are looking forward to Sam joining us this fall,” said Seth Mahler, Director Men’s Lacrosse. “His passion for life and enthusiasm to grow the game will have an immediate impact on the Israeli community and we cannot wait to watch him grow as a player and person.”
Dubner is a former player at Trinity High School and was a member 3D Tri-State Lacrosse Club.
Masa Israel Journey offers young adults between the ages of 18 to 30, a unique and life-changing opportunity to experience Israel. In 2015, Masa Israel Journey officially recognized the Israel Lacrosse Gap Year Program as a member of its organization. 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 will have an immersive experience to explore their interest, build their resume, interact with Israelis, live like a local, all while contributing to the growth of lacrosse in Israel.
Athletes who are interested in learning more about the Israel Lacrosse Gap Year program should contact Director of Gap Year, Seth Mahler at [email protected].