The former basketball player and recipient of the Israel Prize received his letter of appointment from the Foreign Minister. Liberman praised him, and Brody replied, “I hope that I can show the world the positive sides of the country.” (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
By Amy Samin
Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman has appointed Tal Brody the international Goodwill Ambassador for the State of Israel.
Brody, winner of the Israel Prize and one of the greatest basketball players ever to play in Israel, will assist in Israel’s public diplomacy efforts around the world.
As he handed the letter of appointment to the ambassadorship to Brody, Liberman said, “Brody’s diverse activities, which, apart from him being an outstanding sportsman, include years of community volunteer service and largesse, have turned him into a Zionist symbol and role model. His unique biography, which includes participation in both the US and Israeli national basketball teams as well as service in the US Army and the IDF, make him the ideal Israeli Goodwill Ambassador to the world in general and the United States in particular.
I am certain that Brody will make a huge contribution to Israel’s positive image around the world.”
Brody thanked Foreign Minister Liberman for his appointment, and said, “My goal at this stage in my life is to dedicate my time in the service of the State of Israel. I believe I will be able to enable many people around the world to better understand and to see Israel’s many positive sides.”
Brody, 66, was one of Israel’s first basketball stars.
He made aliyah to Israel at age 23 after a much-praised college career and after starring in the Maccabiah Games as part of Team U.S.A.
Later, he put Maccabi Tel Aviv on the map after the famous victory over CSKA Moscow in 1977, then went on to lead Maccabi to victory in the European Cup final.
In 1979, Brody was awarded the Israel Prize for his “special contribution to society and the State in the field of sport.”
Three years ago Brody joined the Likud party, and ran (unsuccessfully) for the Knesset.
Since then he has become an especially popular personality, thanks to the television program “Erez Nehederet.”
