The New York Knicks will take on Israel's top basketball club, Maccabi Elite Tel Aviv, in a preseason exhibition game at Madison Square Garden.

Proceeds from the Oct. 11 event will benefit Migdal Ohr, Israel's largest youth village, which provides support to more than 6,500 orphaned, abused, underprivileged, and immigrant children.

"This game will provide us with the unique opportunity to play a quality opponent while benefiting a worthwhile cause," said Isiah Thomas, the Knicks' president of basketball operations and head coach, at a June 12 press conference. "Maccabi Elite Tel Aviv has long had a renowned international presence in the game of basketball and has demonstrated the ability to compete with teams in the NBA. We look forward to the match-up."

Maccabi Elite won its 47th Israeli Championship in May and has also captured 36 National Cups and five European Cups. In 2005, the Israelis beat the Toronto Raptors 105-103, becoming the only non-American team to ever defeat an NBA franchise on North American soil.

Max Thurm, president of the board of American Friends of Migdal Ohr, hailed the opportunity to mix basketball with tikun olam, repairing the world.

"This groundbreaking charity initiative offers a tremendous opportunity to celebrate Israel's athletes, highlight the strong bond between our two countries, and most importantly enable…Migdal Ohr to continue their incredible work."

Founded in 1972 by Israel Prize laureate Rabbi Yitzchak David Grossman, the organization – which translates to "tower of light" – runs a network of schools, providing academic and vocational studies while integrating new immigrant children into Israeli society.

The October game marks the first time the Knicks will face an international opponent at the Garden. They defeated a pair of Spanish teams as part of the 1990 McDonald's Open in Barcelona, their only appearances against international competition to date.

Tickets for the Knicks-Maccabi Elite game are available at the Madison Square Garden box office, NY Knicks, and TicketMaster outlets. Those interested in purchasing VIP seating should contact Migdal Ohr USA or 212-397-3700.