In 2008 we had the great pleasure of meeting a young gentleman from the Ethiopian-Israeli community of Kiryat Moshe. Yitzhak (Takelle), defines Leadership. His diligence and success stems from the classroom to the basketball court, setting an example to his peers and family at the age of 19. Yitzhak recently joined the IDF, patrolling the Israeli north at the border with Lebanon.
Yitzhak was one of two Ethiopian boys selected to fly to Canada and join us to roll out Hoops 4 Israel 2008 at the Hoopdome. Yitzhak and his close friend Yisrael Desta were selected for their excellence in school and leadership in the community. Their Toronto trip was whirlwind, hitting major tour sites across the GTA, chilling with Cabbie on the Street of the Score, experiencing Canadian shabbat dinner and other fine cuisine and most importantly, participating and speaking at Hoops 4 Israel.
These boys were basketball fanatics and knew everything about the NBA, so this was a real thrill. The Hoops Committee was able to get them great seats in the ACC for the Raps vs. Nuggets to see their boy, Allen Iverson.
With UJA past-Chair, Fran Sonshine at the event.
Truly an experience of a lifetime for Yitzhak & Y'Israel
Yitzhak represents a success story of the Ethiopian-Israeli Olim (immigrants) that have been assimilating into Israeli society since the 1980's. Although he was raised in a low socio-economic neighbourhood, Kiryat Moshe, Yitzhak has leveraged the social services and education system to rise up and succeed. He also has some serious game on the ball court! A devoted member of the community-based Yechalal basketball program that was sponsored by Hoops 4 Israel with the 2007 funds, Yitzhak's growing success is now a piece of our success as well!
Keep up the great work protecting our Jewish homeland Yitzhak!! You are a true Champion!
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