An elite Israeli basketball team is slated to be the first-ever international team to play an exhibition game against the New York Knicks in Manhattan's Madison Square Garden next month, according to World Net Daily (wnd.com).

Israel's Maccabi Elite Tel Aviv will face off Oct. 11 against the Knicks in a private game to raise money for American Friends of Migdal Ohr, representing the Jewish state's largest youth village, which provides crucial support and housing to more than 6,500 orphaned, abused and underprivileged children and is widely credited with transforming the lives of thousands.

"This game will provide us with the unique opportunity to play a quality opponent while benefiting a worthwhile cause," said Knicks president of operations and head coach Isiah Thomas.

"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."