A fatal collision on Highway 90 in the Hula Valley claimed the life of Raz Adam, a 26‑year‑old Israeli basketball forward, early on a Tuesday morning. The crash also left the other driver with minor injuries, who was quickly transported to Ziv Medical Center in Safed for treatment.
Adam, born in October 1999 in Netanya, had been a fixture on the Israeli Premier League scene, most recently suiting up for Hapoel Galil Elyon after stints with Hapoel Tel Aviv from 2020 to 2023. Those who watched his rise recall a player whose work ethic matched his talent on the court.
His international résumé shone with two FIBA U20 EuroBasket titles, earned in 2018 and 2019 while representing Israel. In the 2019 tournament, Adam played alongside Deni Avdija, who was named tournament MVP and later signed with the Portland Trail Blazers, now a regular presence in the NBA All‑Star conversation.
A Community in Mourning
The news of Adam’s death sent shockwaves through the basketball world. Hapoel Galil Elyon released a heartfelt statement, describing the loss as "irreparable" and praising Adam’s contributions both on and off the hardwood. Fans gathered outside the team’s arena, laying flowers and sharing memories of a player who was as beloved for his humility as for his skill.
Beyond his club duties, Adam’s story is intertwined with that of his former teammate Avdija, whose own trajectory to the NBA added a layer of poignancy to the tragedy. The Portland Trail Blazers organization issued a condolence message, noting that Adam’s "spirit and dedication" had left an indelible mark on those who shared the court with him.
As investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash, the incident underscores the fragile nature of life and the deep connections that bind athletes across continents. Tributes are likely to grow, but for now, the basketball community mourns the loss of a promising talent whose career, though brief, was marked by achievement and camaraderie.