Stoudemire applies for Israeli citizenship
New York Knicks star officially decides to take his connection to Judaism one step further while visiting Israel for Maccabiah Games
Stoudemire was raised with an awareness of his Jewish heritage, but over the past few years, his fascination for the religion and culture has grown substantially. At his wedding last year he wore a skullcap and prayer shawl, and during an interview with JTA last month he shared that he regularly speaks with New York rabbis, studies Torah and observes High Holidays.
"I’m not a religious person, I’m more of a spiritual person, so I follow the rules of the Bible that coordinate with and connect with the Hebrew culture," Stoudemire told JTA.
He also became part owner of the Israeli basketball club Hapoel Jerusalem last month.
Stoudemire’s agent, Happy Walter, confirmed with New York Magazine that his client had applied for Israeli citizenship.
“He’s getting citizenship,” Walters said. "He applied, and he’s there now."
Reprinted with permission from Shalom Life
