Miki Berkovich's son on the disclosure of his condition: "We did it out of love"

Following the revelation of 72-year-old Miki Berkovich's difficult struggle with advanced dementia, his son, Roi Berkovich, published a touching post on Facebook overnight, in which he thanked the public for the immense support and asked to respect the family's privacy during this complex medical struggle.

"Dad's struggle is not over"

"We had a difficult evening," wrote Roi on behalf of the entire family. "Going to the media and revealing something so personal, private, and sensitive after a long period in the shadows — it breaks your heart. But we did it out of infinite love and total commitment to Dad. Since the film was broadcast — and actually long before that — we have been flooded with a huge wave of love, warmth, concern, and sensitivity from every corner of the country. It warms and comforts the heart to see that even decades after he left the court, the people of Israel have not forgotten their winner."

Roi emphasized that the family intends to surround their father with care around the clock and focus on ongoing treatment:

"Dad's struggle is not over, and we are fighting with him and for him with every breath and every step along the way. Now, alongside deep gratitude for the public embrace, it is time for us to return inward. To protect Dad's privacy, focus on our daily routine, and surround him closely on this difficult journey. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for the warm words and the support that is not taken for granted. Your love is a huge ray of light for us."

From the European Cup to the Israel Prize

The son's words echo the unique bond that formed between Miki Berkovich and the people of Israel over five decades. Berkovich, who was discovered at age 11 by the late Yehoshua Rozin and joined the senior team of Maccabi Tel Aviv at age 17, became a symbol of Israeli winning spirit. In 1977, he led the club to its first historic victory in the European Cup in Belgrade (78:77 over Varese), and two years later led the Israel national team to a historic silver medal at the 1979 European Championship, while being chosen as the continent's MVP and receiving an offer from the New Jersey Nets of the NBA.

In 1981, he scored the decisive basket against Bologna, which brought Maccabi Tel Aviv a second European Cup, and in total, he captured 16 championships and 13 State Cups in the yellow uniform over 16 seasons. Later, he led Maccabi Rishon LeZion to the playoff finals together with Moti Aroasti, played for Hapoel Jerusalem and Hapoel Tel Aviv, and retired as the second-leading scorer in the league's history. Over the years, he was awarded the Silver Order of the Olympic Order (1996), lit a torch alongside the late Ralph Klein (2004), was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame (2017), and in 2024 received the Israel Prize for Sports — the ultimate seal on the legacy of a living legend.