'Our hearts are broken, but we did it out of boundless love for Dad'

Miki Berkovich, widely considered the greatest Israeli basketball player of all time and one of the most iconic athletes ever produced by Israel, is battling dementia. This was revealed in Niv Raskin’s documentary Miki’s Secret on Channel 12.

The documentary revealed that early signs of Berkovich’s illness began roughly six years ago, but it worsened significantly over the past two years, coinciding with his selection for the prestigious Israel Prize. In recent months, he has been living outside his home, receiving 24/7 care and support, with his family surrounding him daily.

"We had a difficult evening," his son Roy shared overnight on his Facebook account. "Going public and exposing something so personal, protected, and sensitive after a long time in the shadows is heartbreaking. But we did it out of boundless love and absolute commitment to Dad."

"Since the documentary aired - and actually long before - we have been overwhelmed by a massive 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 stepping off the court, the people of Israel haven't forgotten their winner. They still love him, remember the moments of joy and pride he brought to us all, and are deeply grateful for his journey and legacy. Dad’s fight is not over, and we are fighting with him and for him with every breath and every step of the way."

"Now, alongside deep gratitude for the public embrace, it is time for us to turn back inward. To protect Dad's privacy, focus on our daily routine, and wrap him close in this challenging journey. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for the warm words and the support that is not taken for granted. In this complex time, your love is a massive beacon of light for us."

Maccabi Tel Aviv also released a statement: "Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Club stands alongside its greatest player, Miki Berkovich, and his family. Miki is a symbol of excellence, a winning mentality, and willpower - values that led the team to peak achievements and guided him personally throughout his life. The club has been accompanying the family throughout this complex period, remains at their disposal as needed, and wishes to strengthen them."

Born to parents who immigrated from Romania, Berkovich joined Maccabi Tel Aviv's youth team at age 11, where he was discovered by legendary late coach Yehoshua Rozin. At 17, he advanced to Maccabi’s senior team, and a year later, he led the Israeli national youth team to a fourth-place finish in the European Championship. At 21, he spent a year at UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) before returning to Maccabi Tel Aviv. In 1977, at age 23, he led Maccabi Tel Aviv to win the FIBA European Champions Cup with a historic 78–77 victory over Mobilgirgi Varese in the final. Two years later, he led the Israeli national team to second place and a silver medal at the 1979 EuroBasket, where he was named tournament MVP. Following the tournament, he received an offer from the New Jersey Nets, but Maccabi Tel Aviv did not release him.

In 1981, he lifted the FIBA European Champions Cup once again after an 80–79 victory over Sinudyne Bologna in the final, scoring the winning basket. Additionally, he reached four other European finals with Maccabi, in which they finished as runners-up. He represented the Israeli national team at the 1986 FIBA World Championship thanks to a dramatic game-winning shot against Czechoslovakia in the qualifying tournament. In total, he won two FIBA European Champions Cups, 16 Israeli League championships, and 13 State Cups during his 16 seasons with Maccabi Tel Aviv's senior team.

In the summer of 1988, after his final appearance in the European Cup final with Maccabi, he transferred to Maccabi Rishon Lezion, where he played for five seasons. Teaming up with his close friend Motti Aroesti - who had shared 13 seasons with him on Maccabi’s senior squad - they led the team to the playoff final against Maccabi Tel Aviv. He later played one season for Hapoel Jerusalem and half a season for Hapoel Tel Aviv before announcing his retirement. At the time of his retirement, he ranked second on the Israeli Basketball Premier League's all-time scoring list, behind Doron Jamchi.

Following his retirement from basketball, he established an insurance agency and, for a certain period, managed A.S. Ramat Hasharon and Ironi Nahariya. Berkovich is married to Shelly and has a daughter and two sons who played in the Israeli Premier League - Roy and Niv. His grandson, Ariel, was promoted this season to the senior squad of Maccabi Ramat Gan in the Premier League.

After stepping off the court, he was awarded the Silver Olympic Order in 1996. In 2004, he lit a torch at the official Independence Day ceremony alongside his long-time late coach, Ralph Klein. In 2008, he was named one of the 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors. In 2010, he was named Maccabi Tel Aviv’s greatest player of all time. In 2017, he was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame. In 2022, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports from the Culture and Sport Ministry. In 2024, he was awarded the prestigious Israel Prize in the field of outstanding athletes.