Ezra Schwartz

“This field is a testament to who he was; it’s a bridge between our new olim and the other Israeli families who are learning what baseball is all about, and between Ezra and his family, and the families in Ra’anana,” said the Israeli city’s Mayor Chaim Broyde.

“Sharon has taken a proactive step that shows it cares about the safety of Jewish residents,” said community activist Susan Price.

Israeli emissaries are well-accustomed to bringing a taste of Israel to Diaspora communities. But on one particular Sunday in the winter, the tables are turned as they encounter a highly popular American tradition.

“We needed to build a safe road for the communities,” said Shani Abrams Simkovitz, director of the Gush Etzion Foundation. “There was really nothing here. Now people can bicycle, walk freely on Shabbat and during the week and play—all on a well-lit recreational space.”