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Background: The Mamanet Cachibol League (MCL), a community-based model developed in Israel, promotes physical activity and amateur team sports among women. Women in the Arab society have traditionally played few sports, especially team sports. Aims: The study aimed to assess the differences in health indicators and well-being, including psychosomatic symptoms, self-reported health, healthy eating habits, and social support, by comparing Arab women MCL participants and nonparticipants and examines benefits and motivations of community-based team sports for participants. Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach included a cross-sectional study with intervention and control groups of Israeli Arab women aged 25–59 years. Two-way analyses of covariance and multiple regression models evaluated demographics, well-being, healthy eating, and social support. Quality in-depth interviews with 30 MCL participants further explained the quantitative findings. Results: MCL participants reported higher self-assessed health (P <.001) and decreased psychosomatic symptoms (P <.001) than nonparticipants. Healthier eating and well-being were also linked to MCL participation. The women sense of belonging improved social interactions, personal and professional happiness, and group dedication. MCL attendees felt empowered because the group advocated equality and valued women. Women said their involvement helped their families. Conclusions: Findings on the MCL community-based model suggest that team sports may serve as an effective tool for promoting health and well-being of Arab women and foster positive community relationships. The sense of belonging and personal empowerment derived from being part of a sports team may also contribute to positive mental health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study describes the successful operation of an online forum designed to answer questions posted by Israeli elementary-school children during an emergency exercise. Analysis of 212 posts revealed that being younger predict higher levels of emotional intensity. Younger children are 3.561 times more likely than older children to have an increase in emotional intensity. Overall, the model accounted for 5.5% of the variance in emotional intensity. School-based online forums may be used as a universal screening method to enable school staff to identify children exhibiting enhanced emotional intensity. Given the restrictions on face-to-face interactions that are occasionally necessitated by the worldwide COVID-19 crisis, this approach is particularly relevant nowadays. Detailed appendices are provided to help plan, initiate, and run such forums.