Deni Avdija

The Persian leopard named after the NBA star arrives at the Safari

A Persian leopard named Deni, after Deni Avdija, arrived at the Ramat Gan Safari to mate with Noa as part of a European breeding program.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2026|ByMOSHE COHEN

Deni, the new Persian leopard at Ramat Gan Safari.

(L-R, clockwise): Deni Avdija, Oscar Gloukh, Zach Hyman, Matt Turner, and Daniel Peretz

No. 50: Deni Avdija, Matt Turner, Zach Hyman, Oscar Gloukh, and Daniel Peretz

Five athletes carrying Jewish and Israeli pride onto the world stage.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026|ByURIEL STURM

Israeli national team player Deni Avdija.

Avdija: 'I won't allow anyone to question my commitment to the national team and the country'

Avdija addressed absence: Portland wouldn't risk my health. I proved how much I care; I had no option to play and want to be healthy.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2026|ByOR SHKEDI

ISRAELI GUARD Ben Saraf handles the ball for the Brooklyn Nets during his first NBA season, carrying the hopes of the next generation of Israeli hoops players.

Representing Israel proudly, Saraf looks to build promising rookie season in Brooklyn - interview

Despite the challenges that come with adapting to the NBA, Saraf continued to develop his skills and became yet another role model for young basketball players across Israel.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2026|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

NBA: Israel’s Avdija traded from DC to Portland

After first four seasons with Wizards, 23-year-old forward on the move to revamped Trail Blazers

JUNE 27, 2024ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

DENI AVDIJA made a big jump last year and was an attractive offseason target for a number of teams. The Portland Trail Blazers ultimately got him.

Israeli star Deni Avdija is poised for a big year as new NBA season begins

Avdija has also become one of the more outspoken Jewish players in all of sports on issues relating to Israel and antisemitism.

OCTOBER 25, 2023ByJACOB GURVIS/JTA

DENI AVDIJA will have many new teammates next season on the Washington Wizards, and the team looks like it will have a new minority owner as well.

Jewish player Amari Bailey drafted 41st overall by the Charlotte Hornets

Bailey’s new team, the Hornets, is in the process of being sold by basketball legend Michael Jordan to a group led by Jewish millionaires Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall.

JUNE 24, 2023ByJACOB GURVIS/JTA

Pair of tight triumphs has Israel at 2-0 in the EuroBasket preliminary round

Avdija & co. follow up overtime dramatics vs Finland with a 4th-quarter rally to beat the Netherlands.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2022ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

DENI AVDIJA has been Israel’s high scorer with 21 and 23 points, respectively, in victories over Finland and the Netherlands to open the blue-and-white Eurobasket campaign.

Basketball: Deni Avdija relishing opportunity to propel Israel

As for bringing home a medal in the Eurobasket, Avdija is certain that this version of the Israel National Team has a chance to do just that.

AUGUST 31, 2022ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

WHILE STILL only 21, Deni Avdija has the presence of a grizzled veteran on the Israel National Team, which tips off its Eurobasket campaign this weekend

Avdija, Israel prep for Eurobasket, World Cup qualifiers

The Israel National Team is no question a work in progress. Despite not having what would be considered the best prep possible, the coach isn't concerned. He also has Deni Avdija.

AUGUST 24, 2022ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN