Miki Berkovich, broadly thought-about the best Israeli basketball participant of all time and one of the iconic athletes ever produced by Israel, is battling dementia. This was revealed in Niv Raskin’s documentary Miki’s Secret on Channel 12.
The documentary revealed that early indicators of Berkovich’s sickness started roughly six years in the past, but it surely worsened considerably over the previous two years, coinciding together with his choice for the distinguished Israel Prize. In current months, he has been dwelling exterior his house, receiving 24/7 care and assist, together with his household surrounding him every day.
“We had a troublesome night,” his son Roy shared in a single day on his Fb account. “Going public and exposing one thing so private, protected, and delicate after a very long time within the shadows is heartbreaking. However we did it out of boundless love and absolute dedication to Dad.”
“Because the documentary aired – and really lengthy earlier than – we now have been overwhelmed by a large wave of affection, heat, concern, and sensitivity from each nook of the nation. It warms and comforts the guts to see that even a long time after stepping off the courtroom, the folks of Israel have not forgotten their winner. They nonetheless love him, keep in mind the moments of pleasure and delight he dropped at us all, and are deeply grateful for his journey and legacy. Dad’s struggle is just not over, and we’re combating with him and for him with each breath and each step of the best way.”
“Now, alongside deep gratitude for the general public embrace, it’s time for us to show again inward. To guard Dad’s privateness, concentrate on our every day routine, and wrap him shut on this difficult journey. Thanks all from the underside of our hearts for the nice and cozy phrases and the assist that’s not taken as a right. On this advanced time, your love is a large beacon of sunshine for us.”
Standing alongside an icon
Maccabi Tel Aviv additionally launched an announcement: “Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Membership stands alongside its biggest participant, Miki Berkovich, and his household. Miki is an emblem of excellence, a profitable mentality, and willpower – values that led the workforce to peak achievements and guided him personally all through his life. The membership has been accompanying the household all through this advanced interval, stays at their disposal as wanted, and desires to strengthen them.”
Born to folks who immigrated from Romania, Berkovich joined Maccabi Tel Aviv’s youth workforce at age 11, the place he was found by legendary late coach Yehoshua Rozin. At 17, he superior to Maccabi’s senior workforce, and a 12 months later, he led the Israeli nationwide youth workforce to a fourth-place end within the European Championship. At 21, he spent a 12 months at UNLV (College of Nevada, Las Vegas) earlier than returning to Maccabi Tel Aviv. In 1977, at age 23, he led Maccabi Tel Aviv to win the FIBA European Champions Cup with a historic 78–77 victory over Mobilgirgi Varese within the remaining. Two years later, he led the Israeli nationwide workforce to second place and a silver medal on the 1979 EuroBasket, the place he was named match MVP. Following the match, he obtained a suggestion from the New Jersey Nets, however Maccabi Tel Aviv didn’t launch him.
European glory and nationwide delight
In 1981, he lifted the FIBA European Champions Cup as soon as once more after an 80–79 victory over Sinudyne Bologna within the remaining, scoring the profitable basket. Moreover, he reached 4 different European finals with Maccabi, during which they completed as runners-up. He represented the Israeli nationwide workforce on the 1986 FIBA World Championship because of a dramatic game-winning shot in opposition to Czechoslovakia within the qualifying match. In whole, he received two FIBA European Champions Cups, 16 Israeli League championships, and 13 State Cups throughout his 16 seasons with Maccabi Tel Aviv’s senior workforce.
In the summertime of 1988, after his remaining look within the European Cup remaining with Maccabi, he transferred to Maccabi Rishon Lezion, the place he performed for 5 seasons. Teaming up together with his shut good friend Motti Aroesti – who had shared 13 seasons with him on Maccabi’s senior squad – they led the workforce to the playoff remaining in opposition to Maccabi Tel Aviv. He later performed one season for Hapoel Jerusalem and half a season for Hapoel Tel Aviv earlier than asserting his retirement. On the time of his retirement, he ranked second on the Israeli Basketball Premier League’s all-time scoring checklist, behind Doron Jamchi.
Life past the courtroom and lasting legacy
Following his retirement from basketball, he established an insurance coverage company and, for a sure interval, managed A.S. Ramat Hasharon and Ironi Nahariya. Berkovich is married to Shelly and has a daughter and two sons who performed within the Israeli Premier League – Roy and Niv. His grandson, Ariel, was promoted this season to the senior squad of Maccabi Ramat Gan within the Premier League.
After stepping off the courtroom, he was awarded the Silver Olympic Order in 1996. In 2004, he lit a torch on the official Independence Day ceremony alongside his long-time late coach, Ralph Klein. In 2008, he was named one of many 50 Best EuroLeague Contributors. In 2010, he was named Maccabi Tel Aviv’s biggest participant of all time. In 2017, he was inducted into the FIBA Corridor of Fame. In 2022, he obtained the Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports activities from the Tradition and Sport Ministry. In 2024, he was awarded the distinguished Israel Prize within the subject of excellent athletes.
