10 Jewish Athletes You Need to Know About

Jewish athletes have shaped global sports in ways that go far beyond statistics and trophies. From NBA stars and Olympic champions to trailblazers in emerging professional leagues, these athletes carry Jewish identity, history, and visibility onto some of the world's biggest stages. The 10 figures below represent excellence, influence, and cultural impact with stories that expand Jewish athletic achievement.

1. Deni Avdija (Basketball)

Deni Avdija, a forward for the Portland Trail Blazers, is one of the most exciting Jewish athletes today and a leading candidate to become the first Israeli NBA all-star as of January 2026. Born in Tel Aviv, he starred for Maccabi Tel Aviv before joining the NBA. He now averages roughly 25 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists per game. Avdija recently became an all-time NBA scoring leader, and his versatile playmaking has drawn international attention. At only 25, Avdija exemplifies the growing global footprint of Israeli basketball.

2. Dekel Bar (Pickleball)

Dekel Bar is an Israeli-born pickleball player competing at the sport's highest levels. Beyond tournament success, he serves as an ambassador, introducing pickleball to new audiences worldwide. Proud of his Israeli and Jewish identity, Bar frequently references his background in interviews and on social media. He has also launched his own signature paddle, marking a milestone of elite status and commercial recognition in the rapidly growing sport.

3. Hannah Teter (Snowboarding)

Hannah Teter won gold in the halfpipe at the 2006 Winter Olympics and bronze in 2010, becoming one of snowboarding's most recognized figures. She has spoken openly about how Jewish values influence her life. Off the slopes, Teter founded a nonprofit that provides clean water to developing communities, an effort she connects to the Jewish concept of tikkun olam , repairing the world.

4. Andre Tippett (Football)

Andre Tippett, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and became one of the Patriots' most dominant defensive players. Raised Baptist, he later converted to Judaism and actively engages in Jewish communal life, speaking at events and traveling to Israel. He and his family are long-time members of their local Reform community. Tippett's journey illustrates how personal faith and identity can intersect with athletic excellence.

5. Linoy Ashram (Rhythmic Gymnastics)

Linoy Ashram is Israel's first Olympic champion in rhythmic gymnastics, winning gold at Tokyo 2020. Of Yemenite Jewish descent, Ashram's victory marked a breakthrough for Israeli gymnastics and elevated the visibility of Mizrahi Jewish athletes in international competitions.

6. Julian Edelman (Football)

Julian Edelman, a Patriots Hall of Fame wide receiver, is known for clutch playoff performances, including a Super Bowl MVP honor. Raised in a Reform Jewish household, Edelman celebrates his Jewish identity as an adult, while his career is characterized by preparation, resilience, and leadership on the field.

7. Sue Bird (Basketball)

Sue Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. A four-time WNBA champion and five-time Olympic gold medalist, Bird's career spanned over two decades. Raised in a Jewish and Christian interfaith household, she celebrated her bat mitzvah, holds Israeli citizenship, and is an openly queer role model. Off the court, Bird advocates for equity, inclusion, and social justice.

8. Yossi Benayoun (Soccer)

Yossi Benayoun, of Moroccan Jewish descent, is one of Israel's most celebrated soccer players. He has played for top clubs including Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal, and even captained the Israeli national team. Benayoun's career highlights the global reach of Jewish athletes and the dedication required to excel at the highest levels.

9. Alon Leichman (Baseball)

Alon Leichman represents the growing presence of Israeli athletes in global sports. An Israeli-American pitcher, Leichman has played professionally in the United States and internationally, including representing Team Israel in major tournaments. His career highlights the expanding reach of baseball beyond the United States and shows the global impact of Jewish athletics. His mom, Miri Gold, is a Reform rabbi who was ordained in 1999 by the Hebrew Union College (HUC) in Jerusalem, making her the third woman ordained in Israel by the Reform Movement.

10. Aly Raisman (Gymnastics)

Aly Raisman is one of the most decorated U.S. gymnasts in history, winning multiple Olympic gold medals. She proudly blends her Jewish identity with her athletic life. At the 2012 London Olympics, she won the women's floor-routine gold performing to the traditional Jewish song "Hava Nagila," a moment that still shows up in tributes and highlights her cultural pride. She often wears a Start of David on her leotard during competitions, turning the podium into a statement of Jewish visibility. Beyond the medals, Raisman has turned her platform into a lifeline for abuse survivors, especially young girls. Her advocacy is rooted in her own painful experience with abuse, which she says motivates her to fight for safer spaces in sports and society.

Together, these athletes reflect the diversity, talent, and impact of Jewish athletes. Their stories remind us that athletic achievement and cultural identity can go hand in hand, creating legacies that inspire fans and communities for generations to come.

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