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Hoops star Stoudemire Israel-bound to explore Jewish roots

NEW YORK (JTA) -- Basketball all-star Amar'e Stoudemire reportedly was on his way to Israel after learning he had Jewish roots.

"On the flight to Israel. This is going to be a great trip," Stoudemire, who recently joined the NBA's New York Knicks as a free agent, wrote on Twitter, according to Haaretz.

Stoudemire, a power forward formerly of the Phoenix Suns, was heading to Israel for a voyage of discovery after finding out he has a Jewish mother, Haaretz reported.

According to an Army Radio report, Stoudemire plans to spend time in Israel learning Hebrew.

"The holy land. Learn about it," he wrote, adding "ze ha'halom sheli" -- Hebrew for "this is my dream."

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