Officially Israeli

I woke up to a calming voice nudging me to put away my electronics.  I shuffled my possessions a bit and fell back into my slumber.  I had slept 8 out of the 11-hour flight from Philadelphia to Tel Aviv, Israel.  I wiped the slobber from my chin and proceeded to baggage claim.  I walked through customs oblivious to the huge sign that read “Aliyah – this way”.  I scurried through the gates only to realize I had gone too far.  I quickly asked a local worker where I need to go and she responded by asking me “Are you an immigrant?” I paused for a second and was a bit taken back and confused by the question.  After a moment to think and process, I smiled and said: “Yes, I guess I am”.  She pushed me towards a secret corridor where I was to meet the Israeli Agency to get my official paperwork. 

I peeked into the office to find a warm “Shalom, please come sit and be comfortable.  Would you like some coffee?”  (The coffee theme will come up many more times as I describe Israeli culture).   I sat down and put my 3 suitcases and 2 carry-ons beside me.  I packed for 8 months even though I could possibly be here only 8 days if I can’t find a gig.  I was summoned to the desk to show my paperwork and was quickly given a gift tote bag.  It explained everything I would need to know about Israel and what benefits I received for making Aliyah.  The only issue that most of the directions and explanations were in Hebrew. A picture was taken of me and I was handed what looked like an Israeli passport filled with cash.   Yes, I was given some Shekels upon arrival.   As a Jew, I was pleased.

I then proceeded to get my bags and headed outside to meet my ride.  My cousin’s ex-girlfriend Roni is from Israel and offered to pick me up and let me stay at her house until I find a job.  It has truly been a lifesaver.  She lives with her parents in Herzeliya, which is about 15 minutes north of Tel Aviv.  The living situation is amazing for now but I need to find a team and apartment so I don’t overstay my welcome. 

I have worked out with two teams so far.  The first was with a 2nd division team called HAPOEL KFAR SABA.  I had an amazing moment when I walked into the gym and took a look around.  Here I was, in Israel, about to practice with a professional team. It was surreal.  I met the coaching and players and was given a practice uniform and told to get ready.  My conversation with the coach was not exactly positive as I was told they were looking to finish their roster with a post player.  Basically, they wanted Shaq… Unfortunate, that is not how I play.  During practice, I was forced to play the 5 position and wasn’t able to show my skill set at all.  Although it was fun to work out with them, it was obvious from the beginning that I was not what they were looking for.  To make things worse, towards the end of practice I tried to take a charge and fell insanely hard on my tail bone.  I literally thought my career was over before it had begun, it hurt so badly.  Luckily, it eased up a bit and I was able to finish the practice.   

The next day I was scheduled to workout with BNEI HASHARON HERZLIYA which is the local D1 team here in the town I am staying.  Although I was extremely sore from falling, I had to play.   The only issue was that they were WAY better players and I wasn’t able to move very well because of my tail bone.  I actually played pretty well but again I couldn’t show my entire game.  The team consists of 5 Americans and 7 Israeli’s.  The American’s include Tweety Carter, Lacedarius Dunn, and NBA forward Trevor Booker.  They are pretty darn good but I actually held my own. 

I took Saturday off in order to rest and tonight I am playing with D2 Ramat Gan.  Hopefully, my body feels better and I can perform up to my standards.  I will post later about what I have been doing outside of b-ball… until then, eat some hummus…