As the High Holidays approach, sports fans around the world are fixated on the tradition of players sitting out games to observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in the Jewish faith. This year, however, one basketball player has taken the gesture to unprecedented heights.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija, the only Israeli player in the NBA, has opted to sit out his first preseason game with his new team to observe Yom Kippur, just four days after his native Israel was targeted in a barrage of attacks by Hamas. Avdija’s decision is a powerful statement of solidarity with his fellow Jews in Israel and around the world, and a testament to the enduring importance of tradition in his personal life.
In a post on his Instagram story, Avdija explained that after a trying year, he has come to realize that “there are more important things than basketball.” The 23-year-old forward, who grew up on a Kibbutz in the Jordan Valley, is acutely aware of the pressures and challenges faced by his fellow Israelis. His decision to sit out the game is a nod to the resilience and strength of the Jewish people, who have faced countless tests and tribulations throughout history.
Avdija’s move has sent a ripple effect through the Jewish community, inspiring a new wave of conversation about the importance of prioritizing tradition and faith in an increasingly secular world. As one sports enthusiast tweeted, “It’s preseason, but the gesture is important, especially when Jewish people are being attacked around the world. Respect.”
Not all Jewish athletes have followed Avdija’s lead, however. BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff, for one, chose to take the field on Yom Kippur, citing his desire to represent his faith and connect with his community. Retzlaff’s mother, Maxanne, (@momof[JakeRetzlaff],) notes that her son has always been drawn to his dual identities as a Jew and a Mormon, and sees this as an opportunity to make a positive impact on those around him.
As the NBA preseason continues, Avdija’s decision will undoubtedly be met with scrutiny from fans and pundits alike. Yet, for many in the Jewish community, his choice to prioritize faith and tradition is a proud reaffirmation of the enduring values that underpin the Jewish experience. As Avdija himself put it, “Am Yisrael Chai – The people of Israel live.” Long may they do so, guided by the wisdom, courage, and resilience that has shaped their storied history.
