Israel is renowned for its creative energy. Whether it’s in the field of art, culture, technology or health, Israeli innovation is leading the way. In this ongoing feature series, ISRAEL21c explores some of the remarkable Israeli personalities that are helping to inspire and transform the world. Find out more in our stories below. This week: Sports stars.
In dream NBA debut Israeli Casspi scores 15
Omri Casspi made history on Wednesday as the first Israeli to ever play in the NBA. The rookie had a dream start, scoring 15 points in only 19 minutes. His team however, did not fare as well, losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder 102-89. Casspi made seven of nine shots and grabbed three rebounds.
Israeli hoopster Omri Casspi, a first round draft pick for the Sacramento Kings, hopes his tenacity and passion for the game will keep him in the NBA.
"There's only one Tamir Cohen'
After a rocky start at Bolton Wanderers, Israeli footballer Tamir Cohen is proving himself to be a star player. He's just one of a number of top Israeli footballers making a name for themselves today in European teams.
From world champion boxer to rabbi
He's just won the World Boxing Association's Super Welterweight Boxing Title, so what does Israeli Yuri Foreman do in his spare time? Study to be a rabbi of course.
Maccabi Tel Aviv enters US Basketball Hall of Fame
Israel's championship winning basketball team Maccabi Tel Aviv is to be honored for its accomplishments at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in the US, as part of celebrations for Israel's 60th anniversary in May, according to Israeli dailyYnet News .
Israel's million-dollar baby [VIDEO]
Disabled Israeli athlete takes on Paris-Dakar rally
It's been a long, winding road that has taken 39-year-old Israeli extreme athlete Dror Cohen from combat planes to a wheelchair to the 2008 Paris-Dakar Rally, the world's toughest off-road race.
Israel's Mor Meluka rides a wave of surfing success
There may not always be strong waves on Israel's Mediterranean shore, and sometimes there are no waves at all. But that hasn't stopped 20-year-old Mor Meluka from becoming the first Israeli surfer to compete in the trials for the upcoming 2006 Billabong ASP World Junior Championships in Australia, the most prestigious junior surfing event in the world.
All-star Israeli ambassadors trot the globe
Although they read and write from right to left, Israeli women still run down the basketball court and shoot hoops in the same direction - and as well as their American counterparts - an attribute that women's college basketball coaches and fans across the US have been increasingly aware of.
Israel's tennis stars teach NY teens
Three of Israel's top tennis players, Andy Ram, Jonathan Erlich and Harel Levy, arrived in New York last week to compete in the US 2009 Open championships, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the tennis world.
Israel's boxing league a champ at promoting coexistence
It sounds a bit anti-intuitive, but to hear Dr. William Shahade tell it, one of Israel's most important peacemaking organizations centers on an ancient art of war.
