When Israeli basketball star Deni Avdija was drafted into the National Basketball League (NBA) by the Washington Wizards, the selection felt different than the rest of the 59 picks. I gathered with five of my friends, who are all Jewish, and we had a watch party, curious to see who was going to select Avdija. Although none of us have ever met him, we all felt a connection to the small forward that encompassed more than just a “favorite player.”

When NBA commissioner Adam Silver called the Israeli superstar’s name, we began to all jump in celebration, knowing that there is now someone in the NBA who is “like us.” From that moment on, I have become a fan of Avdija and have seen him play in person on two separate occasions with my family. Most recently, I saw Avdija and the Portland Trail Blazers take on the San Antonio Spurs and make noise every time he scored a point or checked into the game. 

Chances are I will never meet Avdija, but I feel like I know him on a personal level in a certain way. Every sports fan has a favorite player. Whether it is their play style, accomplishments, or character, fanatics look up to certain athletes throughout their lifetime. I have always had favorite players, Gerrit Cole, Ben Roethlisberger, and TJ Watt to name a few, but never have I felt like they were representing me on the big stage. 

When Avdija, or any other Jewish athlete, puts on their uniform, they are representing the whole diaspora with every move they make. Due to the fact that the number of them is rather paltry, Jewish athletes are magnified to be seen by all Jewish sports fans throughout the world.

Avdija is not the only big Jewish athlete to make headlines, as the Sacramento Kings’ Domantas Sabonis and Green Bay Packers’ AJ Dillon do the same. Sabonis, who has recently converted to Judaism, is starting to represent this “extra fanbase” when he steps onto the court, while Dillon, on the other hand, has been for the entirety of his career.

In a country where Judaism is the minority, the feeling of seeing someone like you on the big stage is one that cannot be beaten. This infatuation can be related to any other professional field as well and drive passion and adoration for someone. Lovers of theater or cinema will always be attracted to seeing Jewish performers and will want to support them. The feeling of community, or kehillah, that is always present in Judaism drives us to want to protect and support these Jewish stars. As part of their community, it is our responsibility to cheer them on and support their every move. 

No matter what happens in the careers of Jewish athletes like Avdija and Sabonis, the Jewish people will always have their backs and yell loudly when they make an impact. From being cut to winning a championship, the bond between Jewish athletes and fans is strong and can never be shattered.