My Trip To Israel...Meeting With a Special Man Of God.

I had this in my spirit, to share more of my trip to Israel, that I took a few weeks ago. I didn't get the chance to really share of the wonderful time I spent there. Being invited back to be apart of a fantastic event (Israel Final Four Basketball Championships) I was also invited and took part in a missionary moment traveling to northern Israel (Migdol Lemit-next to Nazareth) and met an extraordinary man and servant of God-Rabbi Rabbi Grossman.


Rabbi Grossman created a community, where he took in 5,000 undesirable young boys and girls-gave them homes and nurtured them in a structural environment. I was astounded of the huge impact that he has made on this community and the country as a whole. He is considered like a male Mother Teresa. The NBA along with the Israeli Federation, asked me to take part in this venture and for me, it was a spiritual renewal and an honor for me. The famous Doc. J (Julius Erving) and Rick Barry, were the chosen ones, representing the NBA Out-Reach program and I, along with Korky Nelson, Dorom Jamcy and several other Israeli basketball icons
were included.

After a 2 hour bus ride from Tel Aviv, along the coast line passing Cesarea and several Palestinian and Jewish settlements, I was taken back of my days when I drove this same coast line, time and time again, while living here and playing, in my time back in 1990 till 1994.
Once we arrived, we were welcomed with a lovely brunch and conference room meeting where the Rabbi finally graced his appearance. The moment he walked into the room, I sense a presences of spiritual royalty and an energy like I haven't felt in some time. After a brief introduction of the community and sharing tales of Rabbi's beginnings, I was soothed feeling I was blessed, to be in this atmosphere and experiencing this.


I cannot express how truly filled I was to be also in the presences of Dr. J. and Rick Barry, both of whom I have admired and played against (only Doc.) and being apart of history. I had never seen a side of Doc. J's humility where he shared a touching side of his upbringing and trials as a lad in his growth. Rick brought along his family and it showed how wonderful a man he is and what sense of family and love for them that he held strongly. I must also add, the food was FANTASTIC!


After a few visits to the surrounding community, we were honored with hearing the young kids choir and welcomed to a Bar Mitzfah of a young lad of the director of the mission. They sang like Heavenly angels and I was taken with tears.

The final stage was a basketball clinic given by us to the community and it was truly a wonder and fulfilling. This is what I truly enjoy and love doing- touching lives of youth and what better place, than at this community and in the Holy Land. Even the Rabbi took a shot or two and was impressive in his debut of round ball skills. The 500 plus boys and girls were very receptive to our teaching basketball and lectures on sports and life and getting involved and being able to touch these kids and feel their hearts...was so enlightening. I will never forget this-Ever!

In conclusion, I a intimate moment with the Rabbi and he sense in me some unease and trials. I was taken back of his insight and words of wisdom as well as prayer, into my state of affairs. If felt like he knew of my dilemma and struggles. His words to me, which I will never forget were...

"Geno, I feel in you, a special presences of the Lord God within your heart is your biggest asset to showing God's love to people of all creeds, races and colors. Continue on, and know that He is with you and will carry you through." These words made me feel so special and love and gave me the needed strength, to further give my God (and Savior) my dedication, my worship and my love to Him, that has given me everything ...along with His son, Jesus Christ.

ISRAELI BASKETBALL...A Special Honor.

This past week, I was surprised and truly filled, with being named to the Israeli Basketball Federation list of one of the greatest foreign players, in their historic league. It was the 60th anniversary of that country and what a wonderful festive time.

This was the week of the Israeli Basketball "Final Four" and it's professional league championship. The four teams were: Beni-HaSharon, Nehriayha, Hapoel Holon and the favorite-Maccabe-Tel Aviv. MACCABE- Tel Aviv is and always has been, the favorite of the most the people in Israel. Being that they have won several European championship (which is compared to our Super Bowl, March Maddness, NBA Championships) under the leadership of Ralph Kline. The people of Israel take great pride in supporting their national representatives and hero's of Maccabe-Tel Aviv. This team (deemed like the Yankees, Duke, etc) has the economic and financial support of many corportaions and municipalities in that country and has the biggest budget in the league. The contracts (some in the millions) that they give out are three times more than any of the other teams in the league. It is always a surprise when another team in the league, has a win or beats them, during the regular season and playoffs, especially the championship.

With a gala that rivaled the Academy Awards and Emmies ceremonies, this "Final Four" gala was rich in history, entertainment and Who's-Who, at this venture. I was so thankful and appreciative that I was included and honored, at such an event. This was also the time that the league gave out awards and trophies, such as league MVP, Coach-of-the-year award and many others. It also took the time to honor those that contributed to the league through it's history on and off the hardwood. NOW...I am apart of their history and I give God all the glory in that. It was His doing and grace, that allowed me such an experience.

They honored me with a lovely award, special recognition and a framed portrait of myself of recieving the award, which I will have to lug through the airport in my travels back to the U.S. It didn't matter, for I am beaming ever so happily and proud.

I also took this time to reconnect with friends and get in touch with my spiritual needs being there in the Holy Land. What a wonderful place, even with the threat of terrorism and unrest.

I can only say, you have to be there to really feel and know of how things really are and how safe it is, compared to what we see on the HD television sets. The food, the culture, the spirit, all that was fulfilling and needed for me.

As I set back for home, back in the states, to my lovely abode in the south (Greensboro, NC) I will hold a special place in my heart and soul for this place where our Lord and savior walked, talked and preached. I have a renewed strength coming back and going away. I will continue my service to my God, family, community, my christian brothers (and sisters) church and those that re less fortunate. I know that is what God wants me to do and my commitment is more stronger.

Oh...by the way, the team Hapoel Holon, upseted the favorite Maccabe-Tel Aviv with a .3 second half court shot at the buzzer, to win the championship. The first time since 1993, that another team in the league, won the championship besides Maccabe-Tel Aviv.