The son of Russian-Jewish immigrants, Nat Holman always had a connection and involvement in the growth of sports in Israel. Beginning in 1932 Holman was a member of the group that organized the American team for the first Maccabiah Games in Palestine. In 1949 Holman spent 21 days in Israel at the invitation of the Israeli government and under the auspices of the U.S. State Department to inaugurate a basketball program and help the new nation establish a foothold in the sports world. His 21-day sojourn in Israel consisted of 5-hour days teaching, lecturing and demonstrating the game of basketball to 40 young men, who would assume roles as coaches, trainers and physical education instructors.
In later years Holman raised money and awareness for the improvement and development of athletic facilities, equipment and coaches, in his role as President for the United States Committee for Sports in Israel (1973-77). Today, because of Holman's pioneering work Israel has resources, facilities, and the training to compete at the highest levels of sports.
