Meeting Rayan, Roel, and the Netherlands Play for Peace Club

“The most important thing that you could ever give to another human being is compassion.” – Craig Dobkin, Play for Peace Co-founder

The words of Craig Dobkin have long been a guiding light for Play for Peace, shaping the way compassion weaves itself into the lives of people and communities around the world. Last Friday, September 5, we had the joy of witnessing this wisdom in action during a vibrant meeting with Rayan, Roel, and the youth facilitators of the Play for Peace Club in the Netherlands.

From Greece to the Netherlands: Rayan’s Journey of Giving

Rayan’s journey with Play for Peace began years ago in the Skaramangas refugee camp in Greece. Introduced to the program as a participant, he was so inspired that he soon became a trainer, returning each week to work with youth—even after moving into an apartment in Athens.

“The Play for Peace program helped me to discover myself,” Rayan recalls. “I discovered that I could help others, even though I also needed help myself. I learned that I can help people affected by war and poverty in the simplest ways: with games and entertainment to make them smile.”

After receiving asylum in the Netherlands, Rayan and his family moved to a refugee camp in Musselkanaal. It was here that he met Roel Knijnenburg, who works for the National Refugee Organization. Learning of Rayan’s background, Roel encouraged him to bring Play for Peace into the camp, which housed 400 people—one-third of them children, with few activities available. Together, they began Play for Peace sessions that quickly became a source of joy, connection, and laughter.

Building a Club, Spreading Compassion

Over the years, this seed grew into a thriving Play for Peace club. Meeting with Rayan, Roel, and the youth facilitators last week was a moving reminder of the love, energy, and creativity that fuel this work.

The session began with warm appreciation from Sarah Gough, who celebrated the compassion and dedication Rayan and Roel have nurtured for years. With Arabic and English flowing side by side in translation, the gathering carried a beautiful rhythm of connection.

Through playful introductions and activities, bonds deepened quickly. One facilitator, Siba, shared:

“We love each other—and more than that, we love children. That’s why we connect to play and work with them.”

Her words reflected the heart of Play for Peace: compassion for children and communities expressed through joy and play.

Another young facilitator, Sulaiman, described how their sessions are received in the camp:

“We go every Wednesday and Friday. The community doesn’t know our names, but they say, ‘When are you coming again? Please come again!’ Because we are Play for Peace, and we bring laughter.”

Stories of Connection

Roel shared a touching story of how Play for Peace activities brought together two families who had previously been strangers, showing how even simple games can spark new bonds and belonging. Rayan, humbled and proud, emphasized that while he offers guidance, the youth themselves lead the way—designing activities, searching online for games, and creating spaces for joy and connection.

A Community Rooted in Compassion

As the meeting came to a close, gratitude filled the space. It was clear that this club is more than a group of facilitators—it is a living embodiment of Craig Dobkin’s wisdom. Compassion, shared through play, has built bridges across cultures, languages, and generations, creating a community of hope and resilience in the Netherlands.

Play for Peace is honored to support the incredible work of Rayan, Roel, and the youth facilitators. Their journey reminds us that compassion is not only the greatest gift we can give—it is also the force that transforms lives.

Looking ahead, through the Play for Peace Portal and our 27th Anniversary, we are excited to share and co-nurture these journeys further. Together with the Kikori application, we are opening access to resources and activities that will continue to spread compassion, joy, and connection in communities worldwide.