Minister Miri Regev, who is in charge of events for the 75th Independence Day of the State of Israel, announced today (Sunday) to basketball coach David Blatt that she had chosen him from among those recommended by the public advisory committee to light a torch on Mount Herzl on Independence Day.
David Blatt, a basketball player and basketball coach, is one of the most popular athletes in Israel and is responsible for many of the achievements of Israeli basketball. He began his sports career at American universities, but after his participation in the Maccabiah games he decided to immigrate to Israel, and became involved in the world of Israeli basketball - first as a player and later as a legendary coach, who is considered one of the greatest coaches in the history of Israeli sports.
Minister Regev commented: "David Blatt represents the tremendous contribution of the immigrants from the United States and all of Israel's diaspora to Israeli sports and the entire State of Israel. In his many appearances around the world as a representative of Israeli sports, he is a source of inspiration for many who follow in his footsteps."