36-year-old pro basketballer Uri Kokia announced in that he is a gay man, and that he and his partner have a baby girl.
The athlete, who currently plays for Hapoel Ramat Gan in the National League, said in the interview, "After many years of fear, I am now completely calm."
“I want to show you can make a long and glorious career as a gay man,” he said.
“The fear of coming out of the closet is unreal. I want to connect with young people and tell them that you can be different and do what you love.”
His team, Hapoel Ramat Gan, posted this message of support on their official Facebook page, which reads:
"Yesterday in an interview, Uri Kokia came out of the closet. This brave move makes him the first openly gay athlete in Israeli basketball - an important step in the fight against homophobia. [...]
"We are proud of you Uri, you are a role model for teen boys and girls in Jerusalem, and the whole country.
"You proved once again that the sport belongs to everyone, no religion, race, sexual tendency. We are waiting to see you in upcoming games."
Kokia's announcement has received support and praise from across the world:
Kokia has thanked fans for their support, stating, "[It is] not easy to get out all your thoughts and feelings to tweet, so I'll just say thank you to everybody for wishful thinking, warm words and support."
Kokia has played his entire professional career in Israel, and formerly played for the Israeli national team. He currently plays as a centre or power forward for Hapoel Ramat Gan, outside of Tel Aviv.
