An NBA star offered his support to an Israeli actor and IDF reservist wounded in the line of duty in Gaza, penning a Hebrew prayer for his recovery.
Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija is the only Israeli player in the NBA (National Basketball Association). The 6’9” A-Grade player, in the top 40 for field goals, was #9 in the 2020 draft. Nicknamed “Turbo,” the 23-year old writes messages in Hebrew on his basketball shoes in support of Israel.
This Monday he sent get well wishes, handwritten on his game shoes, to TV’s Fauda star Idan Amedi, who was wounded that day while on IDF reserve duty in Gaza.
On Yom HaShoa (Holocaust Remembrance Day) in 2021, Avdija’s shoes carried the message: “Yizkor” (Remember). He has previously drawn Stars of David on his shoes, and the slogan: “Am Yisrael Chai” (the Nation of Israel Lives).
“My heart is with Israel,” Avdija says. On Monday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Avdija wrote (in Hebrew) on the midsole of his orange Nikes: “For the recovery of Idan, son of Tova, Amedi” (traditional Jewish prayers for healing always include the ailing person’s mother’s name).
[The Jewish Voice Report continues]
Previous to Amedi’s injury, he posted a video in which he asserted: “We fully comprehend why we are here. We are here to protect our children, our families, and our homes. And I promise you that we won’t surrender until we win.” Refuah Shelayma, Idan ben Tova (Complete healing, Idan son of Tova)!
View this The Jewish Voice Report from January 10th