JERUSALEM, ISRAEL — Israel became the 28th nation eligible for
championship play at the 2014 FIL Men’s World Championship, which will
be held in Denver, Colo., at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park from July 10
to 19, 2014.

The Israel Lacrosse Association, which was formed in 2010, was awarded
full membership to the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL)
earlier this week on the basis of performance in the 2012 European
Lacrosse Championship, as well as attending the FIL General Assembly
in Holland.

The designation is of importance in that while Associate Members can
participate in world events, they cannot advance to the championship
rounds.

“We’re extremely pleased with how quickly our program has progressed,”
commented Israel GM Howard Borkan, who served as Chairman of the U.S.
National Team for nearly two decades before stepping down in 2010. “We
believe that we have positioned ourselves well to continue our rapid
domestic growth as well as our international standing.”

Israel?s men?s national lacrosse team, comprised of both Israeli
residents and Jewish players from abroad, recently completed their
debut campaign in international competition with a perfect 4-0 record
in pool play at the 2012 European Lacrosse Championships, going on to
finish 8th overall. Including exhibition matches, Israel was 7-5, with
statement wins over No. 9 Ireland and No. 11 Wales. Israel also
fielded men?s and women?s festival teams, which were both victorious
in the EC12 Festival, a tournament featuring club teams from across
the world.

In addition to the 2014 Men’s World Championship, Israel Lacrosse is
considering participation in the 2013 Women’s World Cup; although it
is likely the team would participate as an exhibition entry.
Information regarding the tryout process for both the men’s and
women’s national teams will be announced in the near future.