Spike Lee, Kyrie Irving spark outrage over pro-Palestine ‘terror garb’ as Deni Avdija makes history as first Israeli NBA All Star

While the hardwood was meant to celebrate basketball’s brightest stars, the evening instead became a flashpoint in the broader cultural battle surrounding Israel, Gaza, and the role of celebrity activism in sports.

By Eitan Devir, Jewish Breaking News

It was supposed to be a historic night.

For the first time ever, an Israeli player, Deni Avdija, took part in the NBA All-Star Game, marking a milestone moment for Israeli and Jewish fans worldwide.

Instead, politics quickly entered the arena.

Oscar-winning filmmaker Spike Lee drew immediate attention after appearing courtside wearing a sweater in a keffiyeh pattern and carrying a purse featuring the Palestinian flag.

The imagery circulated rapidly across social media during one of the most watched sporting events of the year.

Lee, known for films such as Malcolm X and Do the Right Thing, made no public statement during the broadcast explaining his wardrobe choice.

Online reaction, however, was swift and intense. Many users criticized what they described as an attempt to overshadow a historic moment for Israel’s first All-Star.

Commentator Schtev wrote:

“The only reason Spike Lee does the garb of the Islamonazis is because Deni Avdija, an Israeli, is playing in the NBA All-Star Game—akin to wearing a KKK hood while Black players play. Clearly he’s not doing the right thing. No terror in the NBA.”

Ari Hoffman added:

“Director Spike Lee wears the Hamas colors and symbols to the NBA All-Star Game, where Deni Avdija is representing Israel. The aging filmmaker is siding with murdering rapists.”

Ronny Lerner wrote:

“Spike Lee never expressed sorrow or outrage for the 1200 Israelis massacred, 5000 Israelis injured, or 255 taken hostage in the aftermath of October 7.

He’s also never said anything about actual genocides in Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Iran, and Nigeria. Another antisemite fake humanitarian.”

The controversy did not end there.

NBA star Kyrie Irving was also seen courtside wearing a shirt that read “PRESS,” honoring journalists killed in Gaza.

Critics pointed out that about 60% of Hamas terrorists have previously been identified as operating under journalistic cover, raising concerns about blurred lines between media and terror activity during the war.

The issue has been widely debated following evidence presented by Israeli officials linking certain Gaza-based media figures to Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

In addition to the word “PRESS” across his shirt, Kyrie Irving was also seen wearing watermelon imagery, a symbol that has increasingly been used in pro-Palestine demonstrations and the anti-Israel movement.

The watermelon, whose colors mirror the Palestinian flag, has become a widely recognized emblem of anti-Israel activism in recent years.

Irving’s appearance reignited scrutiny surrounding his past controversies, including when he shared a link to an antisemitic film on Amazon in 2022, triggering league discipline and widespread backlash.

The moment also carried an added layer of irony. Irving plays for the Dallas Mavericks, whose ownership includes philanthropist and outspoken pro-Israel advocate Miriam Adelson.

While the hardwood was meant to celebrate basketball’s brightest stars, the evening instead became a flashpoint in the broader cultural battle surrounding Israel, Gaza, and the role of celebrity activism in sports.

For many fans watching around the world, however, one image stood above the noise: Deni Avdija representing Israel on the NBA’s biggest stage.

Yet beyond the political theatrics and social media firestorm, one reality remained undeniable.

Avdija stepped onto the NBA’s biggest stage and represented Israel with pride.

And even though his team did not come away with the win, the mere fact that he was there and performed well under the spotlight was a victory in itself.