CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Chabad Center for Jewish Life have partnered to bring to campus former Illini basketball All-American Tal Brody for a viewing of his latest project, the documentary ON THE MAP, on Wednesday, Nov. 7 in the Colonnades Club at Memorial Stadium.
Fans are invited to a public viewing of the documentary on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the Colonnades Club at Memorial Stadium. Following the film, Brody will take part in a reception and Q&A forum from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
ON THE MAP tells the against-all-odds story of Maccabi Tel Aviv's 1977 European Championship, which took place at a time when the Middle East was still reeling from the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the 1972 Olympic massacre at Munich, and the 1976 hijacking of an Air France flight from Tel Aviv. Through the of lens of sports, ON THE MAP presents a much broader story of how one team captured the heart of a nation amid domestic turmoil and the global machinations of the Cold War.
"We are excited to bring back to campus a cherished member of the Illinois basketball family in a way that not only honors what he gave to the game of basketball, but also his culture and legacy," Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said. "Opportunities like this allow the University to not only learn from past figures, but open many hearts and minds to historical events which have shaped who we are as a global community."
Brody lettered for the Illinois basketball team from 1963-65 and earned All-America honors in 1965 under head coach Harry Combes. He was the No. 12 pick in the 1965 NBA draft by the Baltimore Bullets, but chose to play professionally in Israel, ultimately leading his team to the 1977 European Cup. His 1,121 career point total still rank him 40th on the school's all-time scoring list.
Attendees should enter the Colonnades Club through Gate 16 on the West side of Memorial Stadium. Admission is free and parking is available in the State Farm Center lots.
"Tal Brody imbued millions of Jews around the world with pride in their heritage," Rabbi Dovid Tiechtel said. "Tal has already given so much to his nation and we are so grateful that he continues to inspire the next generation. We are excited to bring Tal to our campus, inspiring the athletes and all across the campus to stand tall and strong in what they believe in."
ABOUT CHABAD: Illini Chabad, The center for Jewish Life on campus, is a home away from home serving the needs of students from all backgrounds and observance. Since its founding on this campus, it has welcomed thousands through its doors. Illini Chabad connects students on campus to each other, their heritage, and their future, through a full range of events and services held in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
