Basketball Hall of Fame Welcomes Israeli Superstars

Here’s your chance to meet the top-ranked player who turned down a spot in the NBA draft to join the fledgling Maccabi Tel Aviv Team — and hear his story.

“Hoop it Up for Israel! Celebrate Israel’s 60th Birthday” fills the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA on Sunday, May 18 from 12:00 – 4:00 PM. In the spotlight will be the legendary Tal Brody, along with fellow Maccabi great Mickey Berkowitz and Shimon Mizrahi who, as Chairman of Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Club, was ranked by Time as one of the world’s 50 most important sports executives.

Not only will fans get to hear from these consummate athletes who have played such dramatic roles in the history of both basketball and Israel at a 2:30PM presentation, they’ll also have the opportunity to shoot hoops on Center Court at the Hall of Fame, enjoy a day of family entertainment, authentic kosher Israeli food and heavily discounted admission to the Hall of Fame.

A BONUS: Witnessing the unveiling of the new Hall of Fame exhibit, “Putting Israel on the Map; the Macabbi Tel Aviv Story,” boasting historic footage, European Cups, team jerseys, photos documenting the Cold War-defying Maccabi Team and more. The exhibit, remaining up until September, promises to attract countless Berkshires summer tourists.

At only 2½ hours from New York City and 1½ from Boston, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame draws fans from across the East Coast.

Tickets for this special day cost $6 for adults and $3 for kids 15 and under (4 and under are free) at the door on Sunday, May 18 ONLY. In honor of Israel’s birthday, this price admits visitors to not only the event and the new exhibit, but to the entire Basketball Hall of Fame (usually costing $16.99 for adults and $11.99 for kids).

“Hoop it Up for Israel!” is sponsored by the Anna P. Housen Israel Desk of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts with additional support from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and individual donors.

For more information, call the Federation at (413) 737-4313 or visit www.jewishwesternmass.org.

Note: Advance tickets ($5 adults, $3 kids 5-15) are available at the Springfield JCC, the Yiddish Book Center Bookstore in Amherst or by calling 413.231.5513 at the Basketball Hall of Fame.

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