Training Africa: mass displays and coaches in the service of Israel’s Foreign Policy in the 1960s

ABSTRACT In the 1960s, hundreds of Israeli advisors, agricultural experts, engineers, and instructors were sent to Africa to promote Israel’s foreign policy, garner international support, win allies, and sidestep the ring of Arab hostility that surrounded Israel. The Histadrut, Israel’s largest labour union, sent many of these experts, while Hapoel, the sports association affiliated with the Histadrut, sent sports instructors who organised mass gymnastics performances in national ceremonies. Their assistance was highly appreciated by the African host governments. The paper discusses the instrumental role of sport in foreign policy, and the circumstances that led to Israel’s withdrawal of its involvement in Africa.