Despite already being a retired NBA player, Amar’e Stoudemire’s decision to play in Israel did not come as a big surprise to many.
Unlike other former NBA players who made the transition to overseas basketball, Stoudemire’s reason for doing so holds a much deeper meaning to himself.
Almost a year ago, Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel featured the 2002 Rookie of the Year in his article as the latter talked about his connection to Israel, and Stoudemire was very specific in the terms being used.
The former NBA All-Star wants to be referred to as a “Jew” but not as “Jewish.”
He is, in his words, “culturally Jewish,” an immersion that included a “Hebraic wedding” in 2012, observance of Jewish holy days and ongoing plans for Israeli citizenship.
Here’s what the former All-Star had to say:
“I'm not technically Jewish. It just happened organically.”
Interestingly enough, the team he’ll be playing for now is actually one that he co-owns. But that’s another story.
Seeing someone like Amar’e Stoudemire making decisions like this one out of a more deeper motivation is a breath of fresh air.
Follow Us
Subscribe