October 3, 2010 A delegation of former NBA basketball players visited the Hatzerim Air Force Base and met with Israeli Air Force soldiers of the Desert Birds Squadron, who operate UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The visit to Israel was organized by the America Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and also included visits with the President, Mr. Shimon Peres, a scrimmage with local basketball teams, and basketball workshops for teens. The visit by the NBA greats to the Hatzerim base provided interaction between the players and the young Israeli soldiers, as well as first-hand accounts and information to the players about Israel's security situation. Photography: Cpl. Iris Lainer, IDF Spokesperson's Unit