Israeli NBA player Deni Avdija made a heartfelt gesture during Monday night's game, wearing shoes adorned with a tribute to singer and actor Idan Amedi, who was seriously wounded in battle in the Gaza Strip.
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The Washington Wizards' forward showcased a handwritten message on his footwear dedicated to Amedi, which read, "For the recovery of Idan son of Tova Amedi," echoing the sentiments of a traditional Jewish prayer for the well-being of a sick or injured person.
Despite the Wizards' 128-136 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Avdija delivered a strong performance on the court, scoring 17 points during the game.
Idan Amedi, known for his roles in popular shows like Fauda, was gravely injured while serving in reserve duty within the Combat Engineering Corps. Amedi was airlifted to Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, where he remains sedated and under medical care.
A heartfelt plea for prayers and support for Amedi's recovery poured on social media, initiated by his cousin Ayelet on Instagram. Amedi's father confirmed the injury but assured the public that his son's life was not in immediate danger.
Hospital sources reported that Amedi underwent extensive emergency surgery following the incident. Though still in serious condition, there's cautious optimism regarding his recovery, with medical professionals indicating that individuals with similar injuries have often survived.
In a recent video message recorded amid the war, Amedi had called for unity among Israelis, urging an end to internal discord during these challenging times.