IsraelCast Episode 149

When it comes to creating cultural understanding and tolerance, few things are more unifying than sports, which brings people of all backgrounds together for one common goal. Dubbed “the Jewish Jordan” for his religious heritage and professional basketball background, Tamir Goodman uses his basketball camp to bring diverse players from around the world to learn about basketball and more effectively communicate with each other. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Goodman to discuss his personal background, the unifying power of sports, and what Zionism means to him as an Israeli Jew.

Tamir Goodman captivated the public’s attention with the intriguing combination of devout faith and basketball prowess on the court.  Tamir was a top-ranked high school recruit and went on to make history as the first Jewish athlete to play D-I college and professional basketball while wearing a yarmulke on the court, and without playing on the Jewish Sabbath.  The media was there to document every twist and turn of Tamir’s career with feature reports in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Sports Illustrated, and on ESPN, CNN and Fox, among many others. Tamir has successfully brought three products to market including the Aviv Antimicrobial and Moisture Wicking Basketball Net and he currently provides marketing, branding and product consulting services to leading sports-tech companies.