Subscribe to Print Edition | Wed., May 28, 2008 Iyyar 23, 5768 | | Israel Time: 21:30 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Peres Conference Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Last update - 21:26 28/05/2008 Basketball legend Dr. J: Israel is an inspiration for Jews in America By The Associated Press Tags: President Shimon Peres  Dr. J made an unlikely visit to Israeli President Shimon Peres, on Wednesday. Basketball great Julius Erving, who is on a goodwill tour of Israel, told Peres in a stop at the presidential mansion in Jerusalem that he considered himself an ambassador for Israel. Legend has it, Erving got his colorful nickname because of his admirable defense tactics on the basketball court. Advertisement Erving is in Israel along with fellow National Basketball Association Hall of Famer Rick Barry to raise awareness for the Migdal Ohr youth village for underprivileged children in northern Israel. Migdal Ohr is Hebrew for 'Tower of Light. Erving called Israel an inspiration for Jews in America, as well as other minorities. "I am truly inspired to be an ambassador for the country and for the village," he said. Erving revolutionized the game of basketball in the 1970's with his electrifying, high-flying dunks and is widely credited for being a model for Michael Jordan, recognized as perhaps the greatest basketball player of all time. Erving won an NBA title and a Most Valuable Player award with the Philadelphia 76ers and earlier won two American Basketball Association championships. Barry was one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. He is the only player ever to lead the collegiate NCAA, NBA and ABA in scoring. Three of his sons, Jon, Brent and Drew, have also played in the NBA. Brent Barry scored 23 points off the bench for the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night, in a losing effort to the Los Angeles Lakers. The defending champion Spurs are now in a 3-1 deficit and face elimination when they play Game 5 in Los Angeles on Thursday. Barry launched a last-second three-point-shot that would have given San Antonio the win if it had gone in. Peres praised Erving for both his excellence as an athlete, and for his efforts off the court in breaking down barriers for blacks and minorities. He said sports could serve as a bridge between people. "I think if we built first sports organizations instead of politics, the whole world would be better," Peres said. Related articles: Muslim religious heads from Indonesia pay a rare public visit to Israel Peres: Conference 'promoted Israel around the world' When Bush visits, not even the water is left to chance Bookmark to del.icio.us   Fight club Jerusalem camera catches brutal attack by Jewish teens on Arab youths. Unbrotherly behavior Rights group: Palestinian governments violate human rights in quest for control.

Read & React Bradley Burston: The talkbacker as terrorist Responses: 198 Barak tells Olmert: Quit or face elections Responses: 147 Reuven Pedatzur: How Carter made Israel an official nuclear power Responses: 125 Was Shakespeare a Jewish woman in disguise? Responses: 69 Sources: Iran may attack Israeli targets abroad over Syria talks Responses: 68 Rosner's Domain The story of Obama and the 'A' word Poll: What political option is better for Israel? Guest: If Iran can't be stopped diplomatically, we should contain it Attack on Iran? Not today (WTR) Explaining Hagee's Holocaust remarks More Headlines 21:17 Report: PM's Ex-bureau chief offers to testify in Olmert corruption case 21:14 Barak tells Olmert: Step down from post or face elections 21:20 Livni: Israel has values and morals that bind its leaders 20:21 Syria: Olmert's weakness may affect recently renewed talks 18:20 Prisoner exchange poll: 63% of Israelis back release of Samir Kuntar 20:46 'Hip-hop violinist' celebrates Israel's 60th in New York 17:53 Aide: Obama misspoke when he said uncle liberated Auschwitz 21:26 Basketball legend Dr. J: Israel is an inspiration for Jews in America 20:38 Haredi man detained for sexually attacking 7-year-old girl 15:51 Israel sends third relief team to aid cyclone-ravaged Burma 20:04 Patient stabs doctor with screwdriver after surgery is postponed 18:37 Unemployment rate hits 13-year low in 2008 first fiscal quarter Previous Editions Select Day 27 may 26 may 25 may 23 may 22 may 21 may 20 may 19 may 18 may 16 may 15 may 14 may

Special Offers Advertisement Dead Sea Products Buy Dead Sea mineral skin care and beauty products. Coupon code Haaretz for 10% off. Jerusalem of Gold Luxury apartments in Jerusalem's finest location Your vacation starts here Israel Travel Center Guaranteed Lowest Rates Istudy Learn Hebrew in 3 months The Terraces Your Ultimate Coastal Address On Nitza Boulevard, North Netanya Together Celebrating Israel's 60th The Jewish Agency and You - together making history Pardes Institute Summer Sessions http://www.pardes.org.il/ Free the Palestinians from: Corrupt Kleptocracy, Tyrannical Theocracy, Abysmal Anarchy Fattal Hotel Chain Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel. ISRAEL BONDS Build Israel Israel bonds - a multi-purpose way to celebrate Israel's 60th Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

Real Estate in Israel

Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved