The 'Chetanyahu' Nickname: Unpacking The Viral Question, Is Chet Holmgren Jewish?

The question of Chet Holmgren’s religious and ethnic background has become a viral topic, especially following a recent and highly publicized controversy that led to the NBA star being given the peculiar nickname "Chetanyahu." This article, updated for December 13, 2025, provides the definitive answer to the widespread query: Is Chet Holmgren Jewish? The short answer is no; Chet Holmgren is Christian and of white Caucasian descent, but the story behind the confusion involves a viral workout video, a Los Angeles Jewish high school, and a political firestorm that momentarily overshadowed his stellar career with the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC).

The curiosity surrounding Holmgren’s heritage is a testament to his rising profile in the league, where he has quickly established himself as one of the most unique and dominant young centers. The intense scrutiny on his personal life, however, stems from a specific, recent event that linked the 7-foot-1 star to a political and religious discussion he had no intention of joining, proving that in the age of social media, even a simple practice session can become international news.

Chet Holmgren: Full Biography and Family Background

Chet Thomas Holmgren is an American professional basketball player whose unique skill set and towering frame have made him a cornerstone for the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise. His background is deeply rooted in American basketball, with a family history that includes collegiate-level play.

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• Full Name: Chet Thomas Holmgren
• Date of Birth: May 1, 2002
• Age (as of 2025): 23
• Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: White Caucasian
• Religion: Christian
• Height: 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m)
• Position: Center / Power Forward
• NBA Team: Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC)
• Draft: 2022 NBA Draft, 1st Round, 2nd Pick (by OKC)
• College: Gonzaga University (2021–2022)
• Parents: David Holmgren and Sarah Harris
• Father's Career: David Holmgren, who also stands 7 feet tall, played college basketball for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers from 1984 to 1988.
• High School: Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
• Key Awards: Consensus second-team All-American (2022), WCC Defensive Player of the Year (2022), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2024).

Despite the recent viral speculation, Holmgren’s religious affiliation has been publicly identified as Christian. His roots are firmly planted in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and his family heritage is of white Caucasian descent, with his father, David Holmgren, having a notable basketball career at the University of Minnesota.

The Definitive Answer: Holmgren’s Religion and Ethnicity

The widespread question, "Is Chet Holmgren Jewish?" is based on a misconception, not on his actual family history or religious beliefs. Chet Holmgren is Christian and is of white Caucasian ethnicity.

His distinctive name, Holmgren, is of Scandinavian origin, specifically Swedish, and is a common surname in the United States, particularly in areas with a high concentration of Scandinavian immigrants, such as Minnesota. This Scandinavian heritage is entirely separate from Jewish ancestry, although his name’s uniqueness may have contributed to initial speculation about his background.

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The vast majority of reliable biographical and sports sources confirm his background as a Christian, Caucasian-American athlete. His journey from Minnehaha Academy to the Gonzaga Bulldogs and finally to the OKC Thunder has been well-documented, with no mention of a Jewish upbringing or religious practice. The sudden surge in this specific question is a direct result of a non-basketball event that went viral on social media.

Why the Confusion? The 'Chetanyahu' Controversy Explained

The intense public curiosity about Holmgren’s religious identity can be traced back to a specific, highly charged incident that occurred during an offseason workout. This event is the source of the pejorative nickname "Chetanyahu," which has since been widely circulated on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter).

The Viral Workout Video

The controversy began when a seemingly innocuous video of Chet Holmgren practicing jump shots went viral. The video was filmed at a gym in Los Angeles, California. What made the clip controversial was the facility itself: the "lab" where Holmgren was working out was a Jewish high school.

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In the background of the video, several Israeli flags and pieces of Hebrew text were clearly visible. This visual association, combined with the heightened political tensions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict, immediately led to a massive and unexpected social media reaction.

The 'Chetanyahu' Nickname

Anti-Israel activists and others on social media quickly seized on the video. They began labeling Holmgren with the nickname "Chetanyahu," a portmanteau combining his first name, Chet, with the surname of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The context was purely political and had nothing to do with Holmgren’s personal beliefs or heritage. The professional basketball player was simply using an available, high-quality training facility in Los Angeles, which happened to be located within a Jewish educational institution. He was inadvertently thrust into a complex and sensitive geopolitical discussion, illustrating the speed and intensity with which a public figure can be dragged into a "culture war" over a simple training session.

Holmgren’s NBA Career and Future with the OKC Thunder

Putting aside the brief but viral religious and political speculation, Chet Holmgren’s focus remains squarely on his burgeoning career with the Oklahoma City Thunder. His on-court performance has made him one of the most exciting young players in the NBA, often drawing comparisons to other elite centers and power forwards.

After being drafted second overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Holmgren quickly became a central figure in the Thunder’s rebuilding efforts. His rookie season was a showcase of his unique abilities: elite shot-blocking, smooth perimeter shooting, and exceptional court vision for a player of his size. He earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2024, confirming his status as a foundational piece for the franchise.

The OKC Thunder demonstrated their long-term commitment to the star by recently signing him to a massive contract extension. Reports indicate that Holmgren signed a five-year deal potentially worth as much as $250 million, securing his future in Oklahoma City and solidifying his role as a co-star alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The comparison and rivalry with fellow young star Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs has also become a major talking point for fans and analysts, further cementing Holmgren's status as a must-watch player. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor—from protecting the rim to stretching the defense with his three-point shooting—makes him a generational talent. The "Chetanyahu" nickname, while a viral moment, is ultimately a footnote in the story of an athlete whose primary focus is bringing an NBA championship to the Oklahoma City Thunder.