Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire is traveling in Israel to explore his Jewish heritage.

Stoudemire believes he has "Hebrew roots" through his mother, Carrie.

"She studied the Scriptures and history and she believes she is a Hebrew," he said Friday from Jerusalem. "I grew up in a very spiritual home. It's not about religion, it's about spirituality for me."

Stoudemire said he was "soaking up the culture" with his girlfriend and a few other friends.

He has long suspected his Jewish lineage -- Judaism is passed down through the mother's side.