Famous Israeli Sportspersons

Amar'e Stoudemire is an American-born Israeli professional basketball coach and former player. He had a successful NBA career, winning Rookie of the Year in 2003 and being selected for the All-Star Game six times. Stoudemire played for teams such as the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, and Miami Heat before retiring in 2016. He also won a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics and has been involved in various off-court ventures, including owning a share of Hapoel Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Deni Avdija is an Israeli professional basketball player currently playing for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA as a small forward. He started his basketball career with Bnei Herzliya Basket before moving to Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he made his senior team debut at just 16 years old. Avdija went on to win the Israeli Basketball Premier League MVP award and led his team to a championship. He declared for the NBA draft in 2020 and was selected by the Washington Wizards. Avdija has also represented the Israeli national basketball team and has achieved success at the youth level, winning two gold medals, including being named the most valuable player at the 2019 FIBA U20 European Championship.

Yossi Benayoun is an Israeli former professional footballer known for his midfield skills. He had a successful career playing for clubs in Israel, England, and Spain, including Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Maccabi Haifa, Racing de Santander, West Ham United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Queens Park Rangers, and Maccabi Haifa again. Benayoun also captained the Israel national team and holds records for most caps and international goals. He currently serves as the sporting director for the Israel national team and Beitar Jerusalem.

Omri Moshe Casspi is an Israeli former professional basketball player who primarily played at the small forward and power forward positions. He was the first Israeli selected in the first round of an NBA draft when he was picked 23rd overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2009. Throughout his career, he played for teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, and Memphis Grizzlies. Casspi was known for his versatility and was a part of various trades during his time in the NBA.

Beram Kayal is an Israeli professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Bnei Sakhnin in the Israeli Premier League. He began his career at Maccabi Haifa, making his professional debut in 2006. In 2010, he moved to Celtic where he gained recognition and won awards. Kayal then joined Brighton & Hove Albion in 2015, helping the team secure promotion to the Premier League. After a loan spell at Charlton Athletic, he returned to Israel in 2020 to play for Bnei Sakhnin.

Yossef Romano was an Italian-born Israeli weightlifter who competed in the middleweight division at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. He was the Israeli weight-lifting champion in the light and middle-weight divisions for nine years. Romano was an interior decorator by profession and fought in the 1967 Six-Day War. Tragically, he was one of the eleven Israeli team members killed in the Munich massacre by Palestinian members of Black September during the Olympics.

Andre Spitzer was an Israeli fencing master and coach who led Israel's 1972 Summer Olympics team. He devoted his career to training and mentoring athletes in the sport of fencing, helping them achieve success on the international stage. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was taken hostage and killed during the Munich massacre. Despite the horrific events that unfolded, Spitzer's dedication to his profession and his passion for fencing continue to inspire athletes and coaches around the world.

Tomer Hemed is an Israeli professional footballer known for his role as a forward. Throughout his career, Hemed has showcased exceptional skill and talent on the field. He has represented various clubs at both domestic and international levels, earning a reputation for his goal-scoring abilities and strategic play. Hemed's dedication and hard work have led to numerous achievements and accolades in the world of football, making him a respected figure in the sport.

Sofia Polgar is a renowned Hungarian and Israeli chess player, teacher, and artist with FIDE titles of International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster (WGM). She has excelled as a former chess prodigy and represented Hungary in multiple Chess Olympiads, achieving remarkable success with team gold and silver medals, as well as individual gold and bronze medals. Her professional journey is marked by a strong dedication to the game of chess, showcasing her talent and expertise on both national and international platforms.

Lior Refaelov is an Israeli professional footballer known for his versatility as an attacking midfielder or winger. He started his career at Maccabi Haifa, winning the Israeli Premier League multiple times before moving to Club Brugge in 2011. With the Belgian club, he secured two first division titles and notably scored the winning goal in the Belgian Cup final. Refaelov has also represented the Israel national team, earning 40 caps and scoring 6 goals since making his senior international debut in 2007.

Boris Gelfand is a highly accomplished chess player, known for his impressive performance in various tournaments and championships. He has participated in multiple World Championship candidates, winning the Chess World Cup in 2009 and the 2011 Candidates Tournament. Gelfand has also secured victories in major chess events across the globe. With a consistent presence in the top 30 players ranked by FIDE for nearly three decades and numerous appearances in Chess Olympiads, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the world of chess.

Sylven Landesberg is an American-Israeli-Austrian professional basketball player known for his versatility at the shooting guard and small forward positions. He has played for various teams, including Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel, with notable achievements such as winning the EuroLeague in 2014. He has also received recognition for his skills, being named the 2008 ACC Freshman of the Year while playing for the University of Virginia Cavaliers. Landesberg's career highlights include being a McDonald's High School All American and New York State Mr. Basketball.

David Michael Blatt is an Israeli-American professional basketball executive, former player, and coach. He played point guard at Princeton University and in the Maccabiah Games for the U.S. national team. Blatt had a successful playing career in Israel before transitioning to coaching. He has been recognized with various coaching awards, including multiple Coach of the Year honors in Israel and Russia, as well as EuroLeague Coach of the Year. Blatt notably coached the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals in 2015.

T. J. Leaf is an Israeli-American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Beijing Ducks in the Chinese Basketball Association. He was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft after a successful college career at UCLA. Leaf has also played for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA. He has received accolades such as being named an All-American in high school and earning first-team all-conference honors in the Pac-12 during his freshman year at UCLA. Leaf has also represented Israel in international competitions.

Dean Kremer is an Israeli-American professional baseball pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball. He made history in 2015 as the first Israeli drafted by an MLB team, eventually making his MLB debut in September 2020. Kremer has an impressive international competition record, including winning a gold medal with Team USA in the 2013 Maccabiah Games and earning the Most Valuable Pitcher award for Israel in the European Baseball Championship qualifiers. Known for his fastball and pitching skills, Kremer has excelled in both college and minor league baseball before joining the MLB.

David Mark Berger was an American and Israeli Olympic weightlifter who tragically lost his life in the Munich massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics. He was a lawyer by education and had emigrated to Israel following his participation in the 1969 Maccabiah Games, where he achieved a gold medal. Berger's dedication to weightlifting and his pursuit of excellence in sports exemplified his commitment to representing both the United States and Israel on the international stage, leaving behind a legacy of athletic accomplishment and resilience.

Zufer Avdija is a Serbian-Israeli professional basketball coach and former player. He played for Crvena zvezda in the Yugoslav Basketball League and various Israeli clubs during the 1980s and 1990s. Avdija also represented the Yugoslavia basketball team at the international level. Currently, he serves as the general manager and president of basketball operations for Bnei Herzliya in the Israeli Basketball Premier League. His extensive experience in playing and coaching basketball has contributed significantly to the sport's development in both Serbia and Israel.

Gai Yigaal Assulin is an Israeli professional footballer known for his versatility as a winger or attacking midfielder. He has played for various clubs, including Barcelona and Manchester City during his teenage years, although he did not make a league appearance for either. Assulin has also had short stints at several teams in Spain. He has represented Israel at the under-21 level 22 times and made one appearance for the senior national team in 2008, becoming the youngest player in their history.

Alla Kushnir was a prominent Soviet-born Israeli chess player known for her exceptional skills and achievements in the world of chess. She was awarded the prestigious FIDE titles of Woman International Master (WIM) in 1962 and Woman Grandmaster (WGM) in 1976, highlighting her talent and expertise in the game. In recognition of her significant contributions to chess, she was posthumously inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame in 2017, solidifying her legacy as a respected figure in the chess community.

Gal Mekel is an Israeli former professional basketball player who had a successful career playing in both Europe and Israel. He played college basketball at Wichita State University before moving on to play in the Israeli Super League for various teams. Mekel also had stints in the Italian Serie A League. Known for his playmaking abilities, he was a two-time Israeli Super League MVP and led the Israeli Premier League in assists in multiple seasons. He made history by becoming the second Israeli player to join the NBA when he signed with the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year fully guaranteed contract.

Eran Zahavi is an accomplished Israeli professional footballer known for his prolific goal-scoring ability. He plays as a forward for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Israeli Premier League and also represents the Israel national team. Zahavi has been named Israeli Footballer of the Year twice and has consistently topped the goal-scoring charts in the league. He holds various records, including the all-time league record for goals in a season. Zahavi is also the current all-time top scorer for the Israel national team.

Avigail Boblile is a prominent figure in the Israeli sports and entertainment industry. She is known for her exceptional skills as a national fencing champion, having achieved great success in the sport. Additionally, she has made a name for herself as a model and beauty pageant titleholder, further showcasing her versatility and talent. Representing Israel at Miss Universe 2015, Avigail has demonstrated her ability to excel in multiple fields, solidifying her status as a respected and accomplished professional.

T. J. Cline is an American-Israeli professional basketball player currently playing for Hapoel Eilat in the Israeli Basketball Premier League. He has represented the Israeli national basketball team. Cline previously played college basketball for both the Richmond Spiders and the Niagara Purple Eagles. Known for his versatility on the court, Cline has demonstrated strong skills in scoring, passing, and rebounding. With a successful transition to professional basketball, he continues to make significant contributions to his team's success.

Ze'ev Friedman was an Israeli flyweight weightlifter who began his sports career as a gymnast before transitioning to weightlifting. He was a member of the Hapoel Kiryat Haim sports club and achieved success by winning a bronze medal at the 1971 Asian Weightlifting Championships. In 1972, he competed at the Munich Olympics, where he placed 12th, marking one of the top accomplishments for an Israeli athlete at the time. Tragically, he became a victim of the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre carried out by the Palestinian Black September group.

Yuri Foreman is an Israeli professional boxer known for holding the WBA super welterweight title from 2009 to 2010. Originally from Gomel, Belarus, he now fights out of Brooklyn, New York. Throughout his boxing career, Foreman has also dedicated time to Jewish religious studies and in 2014, he was ordained as a rabbi, earning him the nickname "Boxing Rabbi." This unique combination of a successful boxing career and religious pursuits has made Foreman a notable figure in both the sports and Jewish communities.

Moanes Dabour is an accomplished Israeli professional footballer known for his role as a striker for Emirati club Shabab Al-Ahli in the UAE Pro League. With a career spanning various teams, he has garnered recognition for his skills on the field. Dabour has also represented the Israeli national team, accumulating a notable 40 caps. His presence in the football world showcases his dedication and talent, making him a respected figure in both domestic and international competitions.

Mark Slavin was an Israeli Olympic Greco-Roman wrestler who had a promising career ahead of him. He had won the Soviet Greco-Roman wrestling middleweight junior championship in 1971 and was considered Israel's most likely medal winner at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Slavin had moved to Israel just four months before the Games and had joined Hapoel Tel Aviv and the Israeli Olympic Team. Tragically, he was taken hostage by Palestinian terrorists during the Munich massacre at the age of 18.

Tal Ben Haim is an Israeli former professional footballer known for his versatility in playing as a centre back or right back. Throughout his career, he has represented several clubs including Maccabi Tel Aviv, Bolton Wanderers, Chelsea, Manchester City, Sunderland, Portsmouth, West Ham United, Queens Park Rangers, Standard Liége, Beitar Jerusalem, and Charlton Athletic. He has gained experience and recognition in various leagues, showcasing his defensive skills and contributing to the success of the teams he played for.

Delila Hatuel is an Israeli Olympic foil fencer who represented Israel at the 2008 Summer Olympics. She has achieved a notable ranking of ninth in the world. Throughout her career, Delila has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication to her sport, earning recognition on the international stage. Her performances at various competitions have showcased her talent and commitment to fencing. Delila's professional life is defined by her achievements in the sport of fencing, establishing her as a respected and accomplished athlete in the field.

Ágnes Keleti is a Hungarian retired Olympic and world champion artistic gymnast and coach. She is the oldest living Olympic champion and medallist. With 10 Olympic medals, including five gold, three silver, and two bronze, she is one of the most successful Jewish Olympic athletes. Keleti holds the record for the most Olympic medals for an individual with Israeli citizenship and is second only to Mark Spitz among Jewish athletes. She was the most successful athlete at the 1956 Summer Olympics, later immigrating to Israel before returning to Hungary in 2015.

Omer Damari is an Israeli former professional footballer known for his role as a striker. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching and currently serves as the head coach of Hapoel Tel Aviv's U17 team. Throughout his career, Damari showcased his skills on the field, earning recognition for his talent and dedication to the sport. As a coach, he now imparts his knowledge and experience to the next generation of footballers, helping to shape the future of Israeli football.

Micha Kaufman is an Israeli former Olympic sport shooter who competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada. He participated in Shooting events including Mixed Small-Bore Rifle, Prone, 50 metres where he finished tied for 12th, and Mixed Small-Bore Rifle, Three Positions, 50 metres where he finished tied for 51st. Kaufman's professional life primarily revolved around his achievements as an Olympic athlete specializing in shooting sports, representing Israel on the international stage during his career.

Shahar Tzuberi is an accomplished Israeli windsurfer, known for his expertise in the "Neil Pryde" RS:X discipline. He has represented Israel in the Olympics three times, showcasing his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport. Tzuberi's crowning achievement came when he won the bronze medal at the Olympic Games, solidifying his status as a top windsurfing athlete. With a strong competitive spirit and a passion for windsurfing, Tzuberi continues to inspire and impress in the world of professional water sports.

Salamo Arouch was a successful Jewish Greek boxer, achieving the titles of Middleweight Champion of Greece in 1938 and All-Balkans Middleweight Champion in 1939. His remarkable professional career extended to over 200 bouts. Arouch's resilience and skill were especially evident during the Holocaust, where he used his boxing talent to entertain German Nazi officers in Auschwitz Concentration Camp, ultimately surviving this harrowing experience. His story was later depicted in the 1989 film Triumph of the Spirit, with actor Willem Dafoe portraying Arouch.

Bibras Natkho is an Israeli professional footballer known for his role as a midfielder for Serbian club Partizan. He has also served as the captain of the Israel national team. Notably, he holds Serbian citizenship as well. Natkho made history as the first individual of either Circassian or Muslim origin to achieve such prominence in Israeli football. His international retirement in 2023 marked the end of a successful and impactful career on the field.

Ben Sahar is an Israeli professional footballer known for his role as a striker for Maccabi Petah Tikva. He has had a successful career playing for various clubs, including Hapoel Tel Aviv, Espanyol, and Hertha BSC, showcasing his scoring prowess and skills on the field. Sahar has also represented the Israel national team, contributing his talent to international competitions. With his experience and dedication to the sport, Ben Sahar continues to make a significant impact in the world of professional football.

Guy Luzon is an Israeli football manager and former player known for his leadership both on and off the field. With a successful career in managing various football clubs, Luzon currently serves as the manager of the Israel national under-21 team. His strategic approach and tactical expertise have earned him recognition in the football community, allowing him to guide and develop young talents within the national team. Luzon's passion for the sport and dedication to nurturing future football stars highlight his impactful presence in Israeli football.

Andy Ram is a retired Israeli professional tennis player known for his success in doubles competitions. He made history as the first Israeli tennis player to win a senior Grand Slam event, achieving victories at Wimbledon, the French Open, and the Australian Open. Ram reached a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 5 and formed a successful partnership with Jonathan Erlich, collectively known as "AndiYoni." With an impressive Davis Cup doubles record and numerous titles under his belt, Ram retired in 2014 and later ventured into the world of wearable technology for tennis players.

Joël Abu Hanna is a professional footballer known for his role as a centre-back for Maccabi Netanya in Israel. He has showcased his skills on the field, representing the Israel national team with dedication and passion. Born in Germany, Abu Hanna has made a name for himself through his performances on the pitch, demonstrating his talent and commitment to the sport. With a strong presence in the Israeli club, he continues to contribute to the team's success with his defensive prowess and strategic play.

Alex Tyus is an American-Israeli professional basketball player known for his versatility and athleticism on the court. He plays for Hapoel Jerusalem in the Israeli Basketball Premier League where he was named the Finals MVP in 2018. Having become an Israeli citizen, he has also competed for the Israeli national basketball team. Standing at 2.03 meters tall, Tyus is a skilled frontcourt player with a strong rebounding ability, making him a valuable asset to his team both offensively and defensively.

Deon La Velle Thomas is a former basketball player known for his successful career on both the collegiate and professional levels. He led his high school team to victory and earned the title of Illinois Mr. Basketball. At the University of Illinois, he became the all-time leading scorer in the school's history. Although drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 1994, he chose to pursue his professional basketball career in Europe and Israel, showcasing his skills and talent in international leagues.

Moshe Weinberg was an accomplished Israeli wrestler and coach who excelled in his field. He started his career as a wrestler and went on to become the coach of both the national team and Hapoel Tel Aviv. He was a certified coach at the Wingate Institute and served in that role for five years. Tragically, he was a victim of the Munich massacre during the 1972 Summer Olympics while bravely attempting to protect his fellow athletes from the terrorists. His dedication and heroism left a lasting impact on the wrestling community.

Arie Selinger is an Israeli volleyball coach and former player known for his exceptional coaching skills. He gained recognition for his significant impact on the United States women's national volleyball team during the 1980s, elevating them to a powerhouse status. Selinger's coaching prowess led to his induction into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in 1995. Renowned as one of the greatest volleyball coaches of all time, Selinger's legacy is marked by his dedication to the sport and his ability to inspire excellence in his players.

Linoy Ashram is a retired Israeli rhythmic gymnast who achieved significant success in her career. She made history by becoming the 2020 Olympic All-around Champion, the first Israeli woman to win an Olympic gold medal in any sport. Ashram also won several other prestigious titles, including World All-around silver and bronze medals, European All-around championships, and European Games All-around silver medal. Her retirement from competitive gymnastics was announced in April 2022, marking the end of a remarkable professional journey filled with groundbreaking achievements.

Alexander Shatilov is a highly accomplished artistic gymnast known for his expertise in the floor exercise. Throughout his career, he has earned numerous medals at World and European Championships, as well as competed in multiple Summer Olympics. Notably, Shatilov secured a gold medal at the European Championship in gymnastics. His dedication and skill have solidified his reputation as a top gymnast, representing Israel at various prestigious international competitions, including the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Neta Rivkin is a retired Israeli individual rhythmic gymnast known for her impressive achievements in the sport. Throughout her career, she has established herself as one of Israel's most successful rhythmic gymnasts, competing in three Olympic Games. In 2011, she secured a silver medal in clubs at the European Championships and a bronze medal in the individual hoop final at the World Championships. Her accomplishments also include winning the all-around silver medal at the 2014 Grand Prix Final, showcasing her skill and dedication to rhythmic gymnastics.

Gal Fridman is an Israeli windsurfer who made history as Israel's first Olympic gold medalist. He earned a Bronze Medal in the Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics and went on to win a Gold Medal in the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics. Fridman is one of two Israeli athletes to have won two Olympic Medals. His achievements have solidified his legacy as a pioneer in Israeli sporting history. Fridman's first name, Gal, holds significance as it means "wave" in Hebrew.

Itzik Zohar is an Israeli former international footballer known for his exceptional free kick taking skills. He made a significant impact by scoring the first two goals for Israel in its inaugural World Cup qualifier in the UEFA confederation. Zohar's professional career was highlighted by his prowess on the field and his contributions to Israeli football. Additionally, he transitioned into a television sports personality after retiring from professional football, further solidifying his legacy in the sports industry.

Lonah Chemtai Salpeter is a renowned Olympic runner representing Israel internationally. She has achieved significant success in various competitions, including winning a bronze medal in the marathon at the 2022 World Athletics Championships and earning gold and bronze medals in the 10,000 meters at the European Athletics Championships. With an impressive marathon personal best time of 2:17:45, she holds several national records and is recognized as one of the fastest female marathon runners in history. Salpeter is set to compete in the marathon at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Eran Levi is an Israeli footballer known for his role as a striker for F.C. Or Akiva. With a career spanning several years, Levi has showcased his skills and talent on the field, earning recognition for his goal-scoring abilities and contributions to his team. He has proven to be a valuable asset with his strong presence on the field, strategic gameplay, and dedication to the sport. Levi's professional journey is marked by his commitment to success and his passion for football.

Kehat Shorr was a prominent shooting coach known for his dedication and expertise in training athletes. He played a crucial role as the shooting coach for the 1972 Israeli Olympic team, where he worked tirelessly to prepare his team for competition. Unfortunately, Shorr was one of the 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team who tragically lost their lives in the devastating Munich massacre. His legacy lives on through his contributions to the sport of shooting and his impact on the athletes he trained.

Artem Dolgopyat is an accomplished artistic gymnast known for his expertise in the floor exercise. He has represented Israel on the international stage, achieving notable success at various competitions. With victories at the Olympics and World Championships, as well as multiple European titles, he has established himself as a top performer in his discipline. His dedication and skill have earned him a reputation as a formidable competitor, with his sights set on further success at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Svetlana Zilberman is an accomplished Israeli badminton player and coach. She won a bronze medal at the European Badminton Championships in 1986 in the women's singles event. In addition to her successful playing career, she has transitioned into coaching, guiding her son Misha Zilberman, who is an Olympic badminton player. Svetlana also serves as a coach for Israel's national badminton team, demonstrating her dedication and expertise in both playing and coaching within the sport.

Emil Sutovsky is an accomplished Israeli chess player who achieved the title of Grandmaster in 1996. Throughout his career, he has held various significant positions in the chess world, including serving as the President of the Association of Chess Professionals from 2012 to 2019. Sutovsky's dedication and expertise in the field led him to become the FIDE Director-General from 2018 to 2022, and currently, he holds the position of FIDE CEO since 2022, further solidifying his impact and influence within the international chess community.

Yona Kosashvili is an Israeli chess Grandmaster and accomplished surgeon. He graduated in Medicine from Tel Aviv University and holds a GM title in chess since 1993. Kosashvili has a rich professional background, having managed orthopedic departments at medical centers and hospitals. He has authored numerous research papers in the field of orthopedics. Kosashvili's expertise and contributions have made a significant impact in the medical community, particularly in the area of orthopedic surgery.

Boris Polak's professional life is marked by his impressive achievements in shooting sports. Starting at age 14, he embarked on a competitive journey that led him to represent Israel in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Not only did he make his mark as the oldest Israeli team member at 42, but he also transitioned into coaching, sharing his expertise with aspiring shooters. Additionally, his skills as a machinist further demonstrate his versatility and dedication to his craft beyond the realm of sports.

Zipora Rubin-Rosenbaum is a highly accomplished Israeli athlete with an impressive career in the Paralympic Games. Over the years, she has won a total of 31 Paralympic medals, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication to sports. Representing Israel in seven Summer Paralympic Games, Zipora has participated in multiple sports including athletics, swimming, table tennis, and wheelchair basketball. Her versatility and success across various disciplines highlight her as a prominent figure in the world of Paralympic sports.

Suzanne Al Houby is a pioneering Palestinian mountain climber known for her historic achievements in climbing. On May 21, 2011, she made history as the first Arab woman to conquer Mount Everest and all seven Summits. She has also achieved numerous other firsts, such as being the first Arab woman to summit mountains like Mont Blanc, Elbrus, Aconcagua, Vinson, Denali, and Carstensz Pyramid. Al Houby's professional life is defined by her trailblazing spirit and determination to push boundaries in the world of mountaineering.

Ilya Smirin is a Belarusian-Israeli chess player who achieved the prestigious title of Grandmaster by FIDE in 1990. Known for his strategic and tactical skills on the chessboard, Smirin has competed in numerous national and international chess tournaments. Throughout his professional career, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of the game, consistently showcasing his expertise in various chess competitions. Smirin's dedication and passion for chess have solidified his reputation as a formidable player within the global chess community.

Maxim Rodshtein is an Israeli chess grandmaster known for his competitive spirit and strategic gameplay. He has participated in multiple FIDE World Cup events, showcasing his skills on the international stage. With a career spanning several years, Rodshtein has earned a reputation for his tactical prowess and dedication to the game. He continues to inspire chess enthusiasts around the world with his impressive performances and strategic insights, making him a respected figure in the chess community.

Yochanan Vollach is a prominent figure in Israeli sports and business. He is a former footballer who represented Israel at the 1970 FIFA World Cup. Vollach is currently the President of the Maccabi Haifa sports organization, where he plays a key role in managing the club's operations and development. In addition to his sports involvement, Vollach also serves as the CEO of the Israeli Chamber of Shipping, where he oversees the strategic direction and operations of the organization.

Alon Stein is an Israeli-German professional basketball coach and former player. He currently serves as an assistant coach for Maccabi Rishon Lezion in the Israeli Premier League. With a wealth of experience in the sport, Stein brings valuable insights and expertise to his role. He has transitioned from a successful playing career to coaching, where he continues to make significant contributions to the development of players and the overall success of the team. Stein's dedication and passion for basketball are evident in his work on and off the court.

Angela Borsuk is an accomplished chess player who has represented multiple countries throughout her career. She began her chess journey in Ukraine in 1989 before transitioning to represent Israel. Known for her exceptional skills, Borsuk has participated in several European Chess Championships, earning a silver medal for her individual score in 1999. She continued to compete for Israel in subsequent tournaments, showcasing her dedication and talent on the international chess stage. Throughout her professional life, Borsuk has demonstrated a strong commitment to the game and achieved notable success in various competitions.

Uri Bergman is an Israeli paralympic swimming champion with extensive experience in coaching and instruction. He has won 15 medals at the Paralympic Games and holds certifications as a swimming instructor, social worker, and psychotherapist. Bergman completed a PhD in psychological rehabilitation and social work, and has worked as a coordinator for swimming and hydrotherapy at Wingate College, a swimming coach at the Sports Center for the Disabled, and as head coach for Israeli swimmers attending the Paralympic Games. He received the John K. Williams, Jr. International Adapted Aquatics Award in 2000.

Sagi Kalev is a renowned figure in the fitness industry, known for his expertise as a celebrity trainer for Beachbody and as a clinical nutritionist. With a background as a 2-time Mr. Israel and a member of the IFBB Hall of Fame, Sagi has made significant contributions through health programs like Body Beast. His influence extends to the covers of prestigious fitness magazines like Iron Man and Flex, showcasing his commitment to promoting health and wellness through his professional achievements and accolades.