Jonah Biblowitz, a junior at North Shore High School in Glen Head, has been selected as one of 23 Americans to play on the 19-under Israeli lacrosse team.
Biblowitz, who also played in the 2013 International JCC Maccabi Games in Orange County, Calif., will train with the men’s Israeli National Lacrosse team in Israel this December and host clinics for young Israeli athletes.
In addition, the team will play in a two-day tournament in Poland from Dec. 28-29 against the Polish and Slovakian national teams.
“I understand the importance of this opportunity and that only 23 student athletes were selected from the United States,” Biblowitz said. “It is my hope that both of these opportunities will open doors and be options for other North Shore student athletes in the future.
“I will most certainly make the most of this incredible experience and honor,” he added.
Biblowitz said he learned of his selection to the national team from Israeli coach Noah Miller approximately thee weeks ago.
According to a news release from the North Shore School District, Biblowitz was selected for his “lacrosse abilities, leadership qualities, flexibility and compassion” and to help expand the sport in Israel.
Biblowitz’s East Hills JCC Maccabi Lacrosse team won the bronze medal at this summer’s Maccabi games, which featured more than 2,300 athletes from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico and Israel participating in various athletic events.
“When I discovered that the JCC Maccabi games had added boys lacrosse to their events, I knew I had to try out,” Biblowitz said. “It was an honor to attend the JCC Maccabi games with 2,300 other Jewish athletes from all over the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Israel and Mexico. It helped me to better understand the significance of the games – to honor the 11 Jewish athletes assassinated in the 1972 Munich Olympics.”
In addition to playing lacrosse, Biblowitz also participates in many of North Shore’s music ensembles and is working toward earning membership to the National Honor Society.
