Miki Berkovich, Israeli basketball legend, faces serious health battle

The 72-year-old Maccabi Tel Aviv icon has largely remained out of public view as family, friends, and former teammates support him through a complex medical condition for the past two and a half years. In recent days, social media has been flooded with rumors about his condition. Throughout this period, he has been closely supported by his wife, Shelly Berkovich, longtime friends including former basketball stars Tal Brody and Motti Aroesti, and members of Maccabi Tel Aviv. One of Berkovich’s most recent major public appearances came in 2024, when he received the Israel Prize, one of the country’s highest civilian honors. Born in Kfar Saba in 1954, Berkovich joined Maccabi Tel Aviv’s youth system at age 11 and made his senior-team debut at 17. He became one of the defining figures of Israeli basketball, playing a central role in Maccabi Tel Aviv’s historic European Cup triumph in 1977 and starring for Israel as the national team finished second at the 1979 European Championship. Maccabi Tel Aviv chairman Shimon Mizrahi described Berkovich as ‘an exemplary athlete in every sense of the word.’ Mizrahi said signs of Berkovich’s illness began appearing about two years ago. Mizrahi, who lives near Berkovich, said he often saw Brody and Aroesti walking with him around the neighborhood. Former Maccabi Tel Aviv star Doron Jamchi spoke emotionally about Berkovich, calling him his childhood hero. Jamchi said they rarely talked about basketball but often discussed family. Berkovich’s family declined to comment. The contrast between his extraordinary career and his current condition has been particularly difficult for Jamchi. He recalled countless emotional moments with Berkovich, emphasizing the importance of family. Berkovich had long been a model for generations of Israeli players, known for his dedication to his body and preparation.