Adam Fishman - Team Israel

Playing lacrosse at the international stage, representing Israel, and supporting the growth of lacrosse in the country means the world to me. Growing up in Arizona, I was a "late-bloomer" to the sport, as I didn't even hear about it until 6th grade. It has changed my life since in so many ways, and getting to compete at lacrosse's highest level against the best in the world is a dream come true. It also gives me hope for the kids in Israel who are just now getting introduced to lacrosse through the many initiatives of the Israel Lacrosse Association.

Many might not know that Israel is fairly new to the international stage of lacrosse, entering in just 2012. So much has been done since the organization's inception to help introduce children to lacrosse across the country and make it a staple of the Israeli sports experience. I know that when we fast-forward in 5, 10, 15 years, lacrosse is going to have changed the lives of so many young people in Israel. These kids who are getting introduced to the sport in Israel today are the ones we'll be watching on TV in years to come. I am honored to play a role in helping show these kids the way to making their dreams come true through this incredible sport.

I grew up going to an orthodox Jewish day school in Phoenix, Arizona and as I've grown older, tradition and community have come to define my relationship with Judaism. As Jewish people, we are united through a shared history, but that history has scattered the Jewish people around the world. Israel, and Israel Lacrosse, has played a key role in helping me further connect with that shared history. When I visit Israel, I deeply feel that sense of tradition and community. And I likewise feel that deep sense of tradition and community when I put on an Israel jersey. Hearing the Hatikvah at the start of games brings on a wave of emotions that makes me proud of my people and our ability to make a statement in the world. Yalla!