(JNS.org) National Basketball Association (NBA) star Pau Gasol met with Israeli President Shimon Peres in Jerusalem on Sunday along with a group of Jewish and Arab basketball players. The 33-year-old Los Angeles Lakers forward/center was making his first trip to Israel, for a basketball workshop meant to promote peace and coexistence.

"I am extremely happy to be here," the Spanish-born Gasol said, Reuters reported. "I believe sport is an amazing tool for bringing people together."

Gasol is a four-time NBA All-Star and has been part of two championship seasons for the Lakers. 

Peres said, "In sport, people learn to play without discrimination and in the spirit of fairness."