by Sam Kestenbaum

On Sunday, former NBA player — and now Israeli basketball star — Amar’e Stoudemire, was awarded Israel’s Martin Luther King Jr. Award, given to individuals who “embody the spirit and ideals of Dr. King.”

“I am truly honored to be receiving this amazing award,” said Stoudemire, who signed a two-year contract with Israel’s Hapoel Jerusalem club last year. In a video to his Instagram followers, Stoudemire stood against the night skyline of Jerusalem and described the award as “honoring my courage to be an Israelite and also to be able to work and talk about equality to all nations.”

Every Black History Month, the Jewish National Fund, the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York and the State of Israel give out this award to individuals who “promote diversity and tolerance,” a press release read.

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