During the inaugural visit of the delegation from Tiberias, Israel to Great Neck to formalize a "Sister Cities" agreement with Great Neck Plaza, Mayor Benjamin Kiryati stopped by Memorial Field with mayor Jean Celender and Deputy Mayor Ted Rosen to observe one of Great Neck Park District's outdoor recreational facilities. He greeted children and their parents at the Police Auxiliary League soccer games in the last week of the season.

Despite the windswept day and chilly weather, children were anxious to meet Mayor Kiryati, some mentioning that they have visited Israel and were curious about his city and the sports children play in Tiberias. A bit surprised that soccer is as big a sport here in Grea Neck, Mayor Kiryati remarked, "Soccer is the most popular sport in Tiberias,"

Under his administration, the Tiberias city government established a soccer school for children, which is managed each year by the best professional team in the country. Last year it was the Maccabi Haifa, the Israeli soccer champions. This year Maccabi Tel Aviv is managing the program. Under the Sister Cities Program, both municipalities have proposed and jointly agree to broaden their personal understanding of one another and each other's culture through the exchange of delegations and vow to place a special emphasis on youth exchange. Both Mayor Celender and Mayor Kiryati have indicated that education and sports are two priority areas for youth initiatives to be developed in this program.