Deni Avdija was invited to light an Independence Day torch in the state ceremony to be held on Mount Herzl. Transportation Minister Miri Regev, who is in charge of the ceremony, invited the NBA player.
Avdija made history when he was drafted to the NBA in the highest position ever achieved by an Israeli player and has since then continued to conquer more peaks. In the past year, he clocked major achievements," a statement read. He became a leading member of the best league in the world."
Regev said Avdija showed steadfast values in trying times. "He declared to the world that his heart was with the families of fallen soldiers and of hostages held in Gaza. Thus, he connected his personal triumph to our national pain, she said.
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Deni Avdija greets Israeli fans in Washington
(Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images / AFP)
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"His words have become the symbol of commitment, strong identification and he has become a model for Israeli youth, so that they can aim as high as they want without losing their roots, values and national responsibility. "