Humble Beginnings

Many great companies start small — Apple and Hewlett-Packard in garages, mine on a back porch — and sometimes, in the trunk of a car.

Decades ago, before I knew him, Adi brought a game back to his home in the Netherlands. His friends loved it, so he brought back more. Soon, friends of friends were clamoring for copies to enjoy with their families.

Adi began selling games at outdoor shows, straight out of his car. Demand was insatiable. Soon, he was supplying toy and game shops, selling more than 300,000 games in a single year in the Netherlands — an astonishing number for such a small country.

Building Goliath

That spark grew into Goliath Games. Seeking more titles, Adi licensed our 3D action game Fireball Island, which had already been a hit for Milton Bradley in the U.S. and Europe. Goliath’s growth accelerated, and the company became one of the largest plastic action game makers in the world.

In the early 2000s, Adi licensed our Doggie Doo game, which went on to be named Game of the Year in multiple countries and sold over a million units. With its silly sounds and even sillier “pooping dog,” it brought laughter to children and adults alike. Nearly two decades later, it’s still selling strong.

As the industry evolved, Goliath acquired U.S. and European companies, expanding its range and reach. Today, it stands as one of the largest game companies in the world — a testament to Adi’s vision, determination, and love of play.

Sharing Israel

Adi’s passions extended far beyond business. He also wanted to share the country he loved most — Israel. He invited us on a tour through ancient ruins, Jericho (the world’s oldest city), the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv.

I’ll admit, I never thought I’d enjoy a bus tour. Nor did I think I’d want to see Israel — I imagined it as nothing but desert and ruins. I was wrong. The trip was spectacular. The history, people, and landscapes were unforgettable.

A Tale of Bravery

In the Golan Heights, overlooking Syria as bombs echoed from the war 40 miles away, Adi shared a story about one of his closest army friends.

Years earlier, in what became one of the first infamous hijackings, a commercial airliner was forced to land in Uganda, then ruled by brutal dictator Idi Amin. Non-Jewish passengers were released, but Jewish passengers were separated, marched off the plane, and threatened with execution.

Israel — a nation I deeply admire for its strength, resilience, and courage — launched a daring rescue mission. Adi’s friend, now a humble fig farmer, was the first special forces soldier through the terminal doors. The Israeli hostages were saved; the terrorists eliminated. It was an astonishing act of bravery, forever etched in history.

More Than a Businessman

Adi’s legacy is not only in the games he created and licensed — from Fireball Island to Doggie Doo — or in building one of the largest game companies in the world. His legacy lives in the experiences he shared, the friendships he built, and the inspiration he gave to so many of us.

He didn’t just sell games. He built connections. He shared laughter. He showed us the wonders of Israel and reminded us that courage, creativity, and friendship are the foundations of any great story.

Closing Thought

From selling toys out of a car trunk to shaping the global games industry, Adi’s journey is extraordinary. But what I will remember most is his generosity of spirit — a true game-changer in every sense of the word.