09/17/2026
Today we mourn the loss of Michael Sweetney a great leader in and off the court and a great friend of Israel! We had the pleasure hearing him speak last month in DC. May he Rest In Peace.
Former NBA player Mike Sweetney developed a deep, life-changing connection to Israel through basketball camps, coaching roles, and advocacy work.Connection to Israel Basketball Camps: Sweetney traveled to Israel to run and participate in youth basketball clinics, initially connected through his longtime friend and former player Tamir Goodman. He noted that visiting Jerusalem completely shifted his perspective, calling it one of the most peaceful places he had ever experienced.
Wartime Support Visits: He returned to Israel on solidarity and support tours organized by groups like Athletes For Israel. During his visits, he met with first responders at United Hatzalah, visited children’s medical organizations like Save a Child’s Heart, and played basketball with special-needs students and children on the autism spectrum.
Hostage Advocacy: As part of the “Sports Speaks Up” initiative, he met with families of Israeli hostages, including Michael Levy (brother of hostage Or Levy).
