Jerusalem Honors Adi Gordon as Streetball 2026 Wraps Up

Streetball Jerusalem 2026 ended in the capital after two days of games and competitions involving hundreds of players from 130 teams across multiple age groups. Winners received trophies and prizes at what is described as one of Israel’s largest and longest-running community sports events.

The Jerusalem Municipality gave a special award to former Hapoel Jerusalem star Adi Gordon, recognizing his long contribution to Jerusalem sports and Israeli basketball, and his role in one of the city’s defining sporting moments. The tribute marked 30 years since Hapoel Jerusalem won its first State Cup in 1996, a title remembered for Gordon’s dramatic last-second winning basket against Maccabi Tel Aviv.

During the event, Dr. Adi Friedman received a lifetime achievement award for his longtime work promoting sports in Jerusalem. Yossi Zafrani also received special recognition for his years of support for the Jerusalem streetball project. Participants additionally honored the memory of Amnon Shank, the founder of Jerusalem streetball, and Ofir Kit, one of the city’s pioneers in the sport.

After receiving the honor, Gordon said he was moved to meet so many people who had been part of his life journey. He said the award belonged to everyone who supported him, including friends, teammates, fans and the community, adding, “You cannot succeed alone. We succeeded because we were together, with love, and that is what won.” Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion said Streetball Jerusalem is “much more than a basketball tournament,” calling it a citywide celebration of sport, community, values and intergenerational connection.