After his debut season in Israeli basketball, Ryan Turell—one of the most visible ultra-Orthodox Jewish athletes in the world—says he’s proud to be a role model for young people trying to reconcile religious life with a professional sports career.
Best known for wearing his kippah even during games, the 26-year-old American-born player recently wrapped up his first year in the Israeli league. Turell began the season with Ironi Ness Ziona B.C. and later transferred to Ironi Nahariya in the second division, where he helped lead the team into the playoffs. His personal highlight: winning the three-point contest at the Israeli All-Star Game.
“For me, this was a dream come true,” he told Ynet. “I’ve always wanted to play basketball in Israel—it’s something I’ve aimed for in my career. I’ve loved visiting this country since I was a kid. I have family and friends here and it’s a special place for me. This is where the Jewish people belong.”
Coming to Israel during a difficult year—marked by sirens, hostages and a multi-front war—was no easy transition. “At first, it was a little scary getting used to the situation. But over time I adapted,” he said. “In my view, if Jews aren’t safe in Israel, they’re not safe anywhere. This reality is part of daily life here and you learn to deal with it.”
Despite the challenges, he found warmth in Israeli culture. “There’s a strong sense of community here. I remember getting a flat tire and someone immediately stopped to help me. Also, the freedom that kids have here—to walk the streets safely—is something you don’t see in the U.S.”
When asked about Israel’s war with Iran, Turell was unequivocal: “My heart is with Israel. It’s the only Jewish state in the world, fighting for its survival. ‘Never again’ has to actually mean never again. I’m proud to play basketball here.”
Turell, who grew up in Los Angeles and played for Yeshiva University in New York before a stint in the G League with the Detroit Pistons affiliate, said it’s much easier to live an Orthodox Jewish life in Israel than in the U.S.
“In Detroit, I had games on Shabbat. I’d walk to the arena and had to make lots of adjustments. Here, it’s great. Once, I had a game that ended just two hours before Shabbat, so I stayed with a yeshiva nearby. It turned out to be an amazing Shabbat with a bunch of yeshiva guys who love basketball.”
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Now back in Los Angeles for summer training, he said he wears his kippah proudly in public—a personal evolution. “It wasn’t always like that when I was growing up. But the older I get, the more I realize how important it is to stand up to hate and to show the world that we’re proud of who we are. Jews shouldn’t hide from antisemitism. We need to embrace our identity and live proudly.”
He also addressed the rising tide of antisemitism in the U.S. since the October 7 massacre. “That was a dark, painful moment but I’ve never seen the Jewish community so unified. In moments like these, we need to come together. Some people will hate us no matter what—we just have to ignore them and stay strong.”
Turell acknowledged that the streets of L.A. feel different now. “There’s definitely more tension. You hear about more attacks and incidents targeting Jews. It’s something we didn’t experience this way growing up. People are more cautious now, always looking over their shoulder.”
His answer to hate? “Jewish activism. On social media, at events, by proudly wearing my kippah—even during games. And if someone doesn’t like that, it’s their problem.”
Throughout the season in Israel, Turell said fans were welcoming and enthusiastic. “Kids would come to the games and recognize me. I stand out a bit—tall, curly blond hair—so people would stop me, talk to me, take photos. I always try to inspire the next generation. I want to run summer camps one day and teach kids that you can work hard, stay true to your values and reach your goals.”
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He plans to return to Israel for another season. “I don’t know yet which team I’ll play for, but I’m definitely coming back. This past year was one of learning and adjusting to Israeli and European basketball. I had some strong games and some injuries that slowed me down. But I’ve been working hard this summer and I’ll be ready to go. I’ll be a better player next season.”
As for his ultimate dream? “To play for the Israeli national team. That would be incredible. If they call me, I’m in.”