NBA star Amar’e Stoudamire Jewish? Well, he’s visiting Israel to explore his Judaism

NBA all-star Amar’e Stoudemire reportedly was on his way to Israel this week after learning he had Jewish roots.

“On the flight to Israel. This is going to be a great trip,” Stoudemire, who recently joined the New York Knicks as a free agent, wrote on Twitter, according to Ha’aretz. He was expected to arrive July 28.

Stoudemire, a 6-foot-10 forward who went straight from his Orlando, Fla., high school into the NBA in 2002, was heading to Israel for a voyage of discovery after finding out he has a Jewish mother, Ha’aretz reported. He essentially was raised by his grandmother, as his father died when he was 12 and his mother was frequently in prison during his youth, Jpost.com reported.

According to an Army Radio report, Stoudemire, formerly of the Phoenix Suns, plans to spend time in Israel learning Hebrew.

“The holy land. Learn about it,” he tweeted, adding “ze ha’halom sheli” — Hebrew for “this is my dream.” — jta