Growing up in the small farm town of Yavne, Israel, Omri Casspi always dreamed of playing in the NBA.

"I remember getting up at like three or four in the morning to watch the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan," said Casspi. "Having players like him to look up to helped me develop, it gave me some motivation."

It’s obvious that Casspi knows the great responsibility that comes with success and fame. Despite an ever-changing and hectic NBA schedule, Casspi made his first visit to Denver, Colorado one to remember for some local Jewish school children.

Fresh off the plane and straight from DIA, Casspi made the trip to East Denver Orthodox Synagogue for the Denver Academy of Torah (DAT) 8th grade Washington, D.C. fundraising dinner. To the delight and surprise of the students, Casspi spent time, signed autographs and took pictures with the children.

"The children are special to me, I was happy to come and meet them," remarked Casspi.

Omri made sure to fulfill each child’s request; signing jerseys, recording video birthday messages for friends and encouraging the children to practice their Hebrew with him.

"It was so cool" said 5th grader Jacob Wedgle, "I was so excited to meet him."

No doubt a hot topic with the DAT student body for weeks to come, this is not the first time Casspi has engaged his fans and showed his appreciation for them.

Omri has made several appearances with the Jewish communities across the country. From lending his time to the Sacramento Community-Wide Chanukah party, to autograph sessions with regional fans, Omri always makes time for his supporters and embodies the definition of a true mensch.
Casspi displayed the skills he has become famous for by scoring 14 points against the Denver Nuggets on Monday, February 1st. Although the Kings lost in an exciting overtime game, Casspi played well in front of a large Jewish community showing.

Denver residents stood proud and waived their Israeli flags in support of Omri; continuing the trend that has emerged across the NBA city spectrum when Omri and Sacramento come to town.

"It's important. I see the fans at the games waving their flags, wearing my jerseys. I want them to know how much it means to me," continued Casspi.
It is indeed important that Omri and his fans share a reciprocally supportive relationship. They support him as a player and he supports them as a nation or people, giving back to the community when he can. After all, you never know, one of the children he inspires through his kindness just might be the next Jewish NBA star.